Some remarks on studies of Prehistoric craft production from the perspective of Gottfried Semper’s ideas

Abstract The approach developed by Gottfried Semper in the mid-19 th century seems to be quite productive for studying the evolution of forms and decoration of objects of material culture. Based on the relationship between the properties of materials and technologies, it formed the basis of modern design practices. The use of this approach makes it possible to explain many phenomena, particularly, the emergence of skeuomorphic forms of ornament (so-called ‘technical ornament’), and also to expand our understanding of materials and technologies that have not reached our time. The reconstruction of non-preserved elements of culture can be complemented by studies on their visual representation in fine art. The principle of development of material culture can also be represented as a movement from the archetype to the material embodiment of ideas, which is possible at the corresponding level of technological development.