Assemblages are dynamic systems that define the function and identity of weapons and tools by integrating them into broader social, economic, and technological contexts.
Key points include:Function Determination: Weapons and tools share a technical sphere, but their purpose is shaped by the assemblage they belong to. For example, a sword can be a weapon in a war machine or a ceremonial tool in a different context.
Conversion: Objects can shift roles depending on the assemblage. For instance, oxcarts (tools) were converted into mobile fortresses (weapons) during the Hussite Wars.
Movement and Speed: Assemblages influence the relationship between objects and movement. Weapons in war machine assemblages emphasize speed and projection, while tools in work machine assemblages focus on gravity and equilibrium.
Social and Economic Context: Assemblages are shaped by broader systems, such as nomadic war machines prioritizing mobility and solidarity, or agricultural assemblages emphasizing stability and production.
Aesthetic and Expressive Roles: Weapons in nomadic assemblages are linked to ornamentation and affects, while tools in work assemblages are tied to signs and organization.
In summary, assemblages determine whether an object functions as a weapon or a tool, highlighting the adaptability of technical objects within different systems of human activity.
