4. Beliefs and Material
Culture
Beliefs
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.
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
 Material- tangible aspects of culture
Meaning is often not from the
object, but from the culture belief
surrounding it
Books,
buildings, furniture, signs,
clothing, etc…
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
Real Culture describes how
we actually behave
Rally Robin
How does American ideal culture
differ from its real culture?
Possible topics to consider:
Honesty
Freedom
Equality
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