The Relationship Between Materiality and Numbers

The origin of numbers is rooted in material representations rather than purely mental constructs. Archaeological research suggests that material devices, such as fingers, tallies, and tokens, play a crucial role in how humans conceptualize quantity. This perspective highlights that numerical variability across cultures can be largely attributed to the different material forms used for counting, challenging existing theories that view numbers as universally mental. By examining these tangible representations, we can understand that the perception of quantity is not just a cognitive experience but also shaped by physical interaction.