What is MATERIAL CULTURE?! Anthropology Student Explains Archaeological Theory, New Archaeology, Etc

Summary

In this video, Olivia Brown, a fourth-year UCLA anthropology student, explores the concept of material culture. She explains how material culture, which involves objects and their role in society, is closely tied to archaeology and anthropology. Olivia emphasizes that understanding the meaning and significance behind artifacts is crucial, not just their function. She touches on how the field of archaeology has evolved, shifting from a quantitative approach to recognizing the power and stories that objects hold. Lastly, she distinguishes between material and symbolic culture, urging viewers to consider the impact of everyday items.

Takeaways

• 😀 Olivia introduces herself as a fourth-year undergraduate anthropology student at UCLA and mentions her focus on anthropology.
• 🛠️ The video is dedicated to material culture, which refers to the physical objects and architecture that represent social reality.
• 📜 Material culture includes the creation, use, consumption, and trade of objects, as well as the behaviors and rituals associated with them.
• 🧑‍🔬 Material culture is closely tied to both anthropology and archaeology, with archaeology being a subfield of anthropology.
• 🏺 Material culture goes beyond the function of objects and examines their meaning in the context of the culture that used them.
• 🏛️ In archaeology, it's essential to look beyond simply cataloging objects to understanding their purpose, meaning, and cultural significance.
• ⚖️ Archaeology underwent a shift in the 1960s, transitioning from traditional methods to ‘New Archaeology,’ emphasizing the significance of objects in their cultural context.
• 👑 Objects carry social power; for example, a crown represents authority, and money represents wealth.
• 🔄 Material culture exists in contrast to symbolic culture, which includes traditions, stories, and practices passed down without being tied to physical objects.
• 💬 Olivia invites viewers to ask questions in the comments and emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between objects and culture in anthropology and archaeology.

Q & A

What is material culture?

Material culture refers to the aspect of social reality grounded in physical objects and architecture that surround people. It includes the usage, consumption, creation, and trade of objects, as well as the behaviors, norms, and rituals associated with those objects.

How is material culture related to anthropology and archaeology?

Material culture is closely associated with anthropology, and more specifically with archaeology, which is a subfield of anthropology. Archaeology focuses on studying physical objects to understand their function and meaning within a culture.

Why is it important to consider both the function and meaning of an object in material culture?

While the function of an object tells us what it was used for, understanding the meaning of the object within a culture provides deeper insights into its social or symbolic significance, such as its association with status or rituals.

What misconception about archaeology does Olivia address in the video?

Olivia addresses the misconception that archaeology is solely about quantitatively counting objects found in the field. Instead, modern archaeology focuses on understanding the purpose, function, and cultural meaning of these objects.

What major shift occurred in archaeology during the 1960s?

In the 1960s, archaeology underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of 'new archaeology.' This shift emphasized understanding the function and meaning of artifacts rather than just counting and categorizing them.

What does Olivia mean by saying objects 'live lives of their own' in modern archaeology?

In modern archaeology, the phrase 'objects live lives of their own' means that objects hold power and meaning within a society. They are not just passive items but can represent status, wealth, or influence, such as a crown symbolizing power.

What is the difference between material culture and symbolic culture?

Material culture refers to physical objects that represent aspects of a culture, while symbolic culture involves non-material elements like traditions, stories, and practices that are passed down through generations.