▶ Your Answer :
The reading and the lecture both talk about
purpose and meaning of carved stone balls. The reading maintains that there are
several theories to explain the carved stone balls. However, the lecturer says
that the theories mentioned in the reading passage are not convincing.
First, the reading suggests that the carved
stone balls may be used as weapons in hunting and fighting, considering holes
and grooves in the balls. In contrast, the lecturer mentioned that a structure
of the carved stone balls are well-preserved even though weapons usually have
signs indicating such uses.
Second, the reading asserts that the carved
stone balls may be parts of primitive system of weights and measures, adding
that the balls might be a uniform in size for measuring grains or foods.
However, the lecturer contradicts this points. He said that each carved stone
balls has its own density and they consist of different types of stones, so
masses of the stones vary.
Third, the reading maintains that the
carved stone balls might be a social markers. This is because a number of stone
balls have elaborate designs. Although the lecturer admits that the stone balls
have their patterns, the patterns are too simple to be seen as ornamentations.
He adds that when Neolithic Britain person, especially one with high status,
died, he or she was buried with her possessions. However, none of the carved
stone balls were discovered in tombs.
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