4. Beliefs and Material Culture

Beliefs Ideas about the nature of reality (science, God, gods, etc) Ideas about the nature of reality (science, God, gods, etc) They are true to us, but the basis is our faith in them. They are often un-provable. They are true to us, but the basis is our faith in them. They are often un-provable. These are often a catalyst of controversy in society! (never talk about religion or politics :}) These are often a catalyst of controversy in society! (never talk about religion or politics :})

Nonmaterial vs. Material Culture Non- ideas, beliefs, values, knowledge - anything non-tangible - of a culture Non- ideas, beliefs, values, knowledge - anything non-tangible - of a culture Material- tangible aspects of culture Material- tangible aspects of culture Meaning is often not from the object, but from the culture belief surrounding it Meaning is often not from the object, but from the culture belief surrounding it Books, buildings, furniture, signs, clothing, etc… Books, buildings, furniture, signs, clothing, etc… This is the only thing archaeologists have to study! This is the only thing archaeologists have to study!

Analyze the material and nonmaterial aspects of this culture:

Ideal vs. Real Culture Ideal Culture includes the guidelines we claim to accept Ideal Culture includes the guidelines we claim to accept Real Culture describes how we actually behave Real Culture describes how we actually behave

Rally Robin How does American ideal culture differ from its real culture? Possible topics to consider: Honesty Honesty Freedom Freedom Equality Equality Democracy Democracy

Archaeology Project Ancient art is often studied to provide info on the culture. Step 1: Draw a hieroglyphic (story in pictures of a made up culture- 5 min) Step 2: Trade your hieroglyphic w/ a neighbor. Step 3: W/O talking to the artist, determine everything you can about the culture (beliefs, values, rules of conduct, material objects, language)