What is Material Culture? Key Words and Concepts

Ethnography

the method by which researchers attempt to understand a group or culture by observing it from the inside, without imposing any preconceived notions they might have

Archaeology

the study of the past based on what people left behind

Object-driven approach

An anthropologists approach to building a story around an object(s) perceived by who they're linked to

Object-centered approach

An archaeologists or historians approach to analysing one object, by using close visual analysis and building context from historical documentation

The Kula Cycle

Malinowski observed a series of rituals associated with the exchange of culture objects, which allowed for opportunities for different islands to exchange cultural objects, beliefs, and social interaction

The Life Cycle of Objects

Production, Consumption, Afterlife

Anthropology

Study of the origins and development of people and their societies

Material Culture

The study of material objects from past societies. Used by humans for survival, social, economic, or identity benefits. Further studies of the objects behaviour, rituals, usage, consumption, creation and trade.