1. Why is Folk Culture Clustered?
Chapter 4 – Culture
Key Issue 2

2. Influence of the Physical Environment
Clothing can be influenced by the needs of or resources found while living in a specific environment
Food – plants & animals influenced
Farming techniques influence what can be eaten
Food taboos influence what CAN’T be eaten
Based on religion, endangered species, etc.
Social values also influence what people eat & don’t eat (ex. Diff. between Hebrew & Christians)
Clothing: fur boots vs. wood shoes
Food: Turkey (bostan gardens), soybeans in Asia,

3. Influence of the Physical Environment
Folk Housing
Typically wood or brick
Differences often based on availability
MDC’s most often use pre-cut lumber and plywood and then some type of decorative/insular siding
Distinct features of dwellings often represent environmental needs/desires
Ex. Pitched roofs for snow
Clothing: fur boots vs. wood shoes
Food: Turkey (bostan gardens), soybeans in Asia,

4. Isolation Promotes Cultural Diversity
Himalayan Art (Karan & Mather)
Buddhists – often paint divine figures (monks & saints)
Hindus – everyday life & local scenes
Muslims – plants & flowers (lacking the harshness of the region found in the previous two)
Animists - symbols & designs from religion

5. Isolation Promotes Cultural Diversity
Beliefs & Folk House Forms
Sacred spaces in houses
Sleeping arrangements can be determined by social customs
US folk homes – spread to different places
Lower Chesapeake (south)
Middle Atlantic (Appalachians to Midwest)
New England (NE to upper Midwest)
Today distinctions are very tough to make