Explore the intersection of cognitive science and prehistory in this 39-minute lecture by Scott Ortman, Omidyar Fellow at the Santa Fe Institute. Delve into the study of the Mesa Verde Society and examine how metaphoric expression, conceptual metaphors, and the invariance principle shape our understanding of ancient cultures. Investigate the role of blending in cultural evolution and linguistic metaphor. Analyze how these cognitive concepts manifest in prehistoric artifacts such as pottery, motifs, looms, marble, and cotton. Gain insights into how cognitive science can illuminate our understanding of prehistoric societies and their material culture.