Why is Folk Culture Clustered??? Key Issue 2

Physical Environment’s Influence Environmental Determinism Though modern geographers reject this theory, they admit the physical environment DOES influence human actions— especially regarding folk culture Folk societies especially responsive to the environment Limited technology Prevailing agricultural economy Food, clothing, and shelter are clearly influenced by the prevailing climate, soil, and vegetation Food and shelter demonstrate the environmental influence, more than clothing, on unique folk cultures

Food Preferences Inhabitants must consider characteristics of the environment in deciding to produce particular foods Soil, climate, terrain, vegetation, etc. Ex. Bostans in Istanbul, Turkey (pg. 112) People adapt their food preferences to conditions in the environment Rice is wet parts of Asia; Quick-frying food in Italy due to fuel shortage, etc. (pg. 112) In many folk cultures, everything in nature has a distinctive characteristic—people may avoid or desire certain foods in response to perceived beneficial or harmful natural traits Refuse to eat plants or animals that are thought to embody negative forces in the environment Taboo – restriction on a behavior imposed by social custom Especially strong in food

Food Taboos May be established as a concern for the natural environment Protect endangered species or conserve natural resource Taboos in the Bible Ancient Hebrews forbidden to eat a wide variety Animals that do not chew cud, or have cloven feet, and fish lacking scales Pig prohibited in part b/c more suited to sedentary farming (Hebrews nomadic) and the meat spoils in hot areas (Hebrews along the Mediterranean) Spread orally—kosher laws today Muslims will not eat pork Pigs not suited for dry lands of Arabian Peninsula; compete with humans for food and water, and provide no benefit (pull plow, etc.) Hindus will not eat beef Cows are a source of oxen—needed to plow fields at same time every year due to monsoon rains Environmental factor are NOT the only reasons food taboos exist in these religions!!!

Terroir The contribution of a location’s distinctive physical features to the way food tastes Sum of the effects of the local environment on a particular food item Commonly refers to combination of soil, climate, and other physical features that contribute to the distinctive taste of wine (you might taste MANY years from now) Coffee

Folk Housing Geographer Fred Kniffen considered the house to be the reflection of cultural heritage, current fashion, functional needs, and the impact of the environment Type of building material used is influenced partly by by resources available in the environment Two most common in the world: Wood & Brick Stone, grass, sod, and skins also used Even in areas that share similar climates and available building materials, the folk housing may vary due to minor environmental differences R.W. McColl study of dry lands in China (pg. 114)— contributed differences to local cultural preferences

Common Types of Structure Pitched roofs in wet or snowy climates to facilitate runoff and reduce weight of accumulated snow Windows may face south in temperate climate to take advantage of the Sun’s heat and light Windows (other openings) may be smaller in hot climates to protect the interior from the full heat of the Sun MDCs: Cut lumber, stucco, vinyl, aluminum, or other materials are used to deal with the environment

Isolation Promotes Cultural Diversity A group’s unique folk customs develop through centuries of relative isolation Folk customs observed at a point in time vary widely from one place to another, even among nearby places

Himalayan Art Study by geographers P. Karan and Cotton Mather Took place in Himalaya Mountains: Bhutan, Nepal, northern India, and southern Tibet (China) Contains four religious groups: Buddhists (north), Hindus (south), Muslims (west), and Southeast Asian animists (east) Despite close proximity, limited interaction produced distinct folk customs

Himalayan Art Buddhists Hindus Paint idealized divine figures, such as monks and saints Some depicted as bizarre or terrifying—reflecting inhospitable environment Create scenes from everyday life and familiar local scenes Sometimes portray deity in in domestic scene Frequently represent region’s extreme climate

Himalayan Art Muslims Animists Show regions beautiful plants and flowers Faith inhibits displaying animate objects in art Do NOT depict harsh climates Paint symbols and designs that derive from their religion rather than from the local environment

Beliefs and Folk House Forms The distinctive form of folk houses may derive from religious values and other customary beliefs—rather than environmental factors Sacred Spaces – houses may have sacred walls or corners Ex. Java: front door always faces south—direction of South Sea Goddess (holds the key to Earth) Ex. Fiji: east wall is sacred (northwest wall in parts of China) See other examples on pg. 115-116

Folk Houses in the U.S. Fred Kniffen identified three major hearths: The Lower Chesapeake (Tidewater)—Virginia  along southeast coast One story, w/ steep roof and chimneys at either end Along the SE Coast typically one room deep Built on stilts along the water

U.S. Folk Houses 2) The Middle Atlantic—New Jersey  Westward along the Ohio Valley  Southward along the Appalachian trails - Known as the “I-house”—one room deep and at least two rooms wide * Became the most extensive style on much of the eastern coast

U.S. Folk Houses 3) New England—Conn./Mass.  Northward  Westward along southern Great Lakes - Four different styles that changed over time (pg. 117) 1. Salt Box 2. Two-Chimney 3. Cape Cod 4. Front Gable and Wing