In anthropology, balanced reciprocity is a form of exchange where goods or services are given with the expectation of a roughly equal return within a specified time frame. It is one of the three classic types of reciprocity identified by Marshall Sahlins in his study of exchange systems. 🌍 Definition Balanced Reciprocity: A direct, fairly…

In anthropology and archaeology, a bag net is a type of fishing implement consisting of a net attached to a frame or held open by stakes, designed to trap fish as water currents carry them into the bag-shaped enclosure. It is a traditional technology found in many riverine, coastal, and lacustrine societies. 🌍 Definition Bag…

In archaeology, back-filling refers to the process of refilling an excavation unit, trench, or pit with the soil (often the back-dirt) that was originally removed. It is a standard site management practice carried out after excavation is complete or when a unit must be temporarily closed. 🌍 Definition Back-filling: The act of returning soil and…

In archaeology, back-dirt refers to the pile of soil and sediment that has been removed from an excavation unit and deposited nearby. It is essentially the discarded material from digging, but it can hold important clues if examined carefully. 🌍 Definition Back-dirt: Excavated soil that has been dug out of a trench, pit, or unit…

Baboons are large, highly social primates belonging to the genus Papio, found across Africa and parts of Arabia. They are among the most studied nonhuman primates in anthropology and evolutionary biology because of their complex social structures, adaptability, and ecological significance. 🌍 Taxonomy & Distribution Genus: Papio Species: Five recognized species — olive baboon (P.…

In archaeology and anthropology, B.P. stands for “Before Present.” It is a standardized time scale used to express dates derived from radiocarbon dating and other absolute dating methods. 🌍 Definition B.P. (Before Present): A chronological notation meaning “years before present.” Reference Point: By convention, “present” is fixed at 1950 CE, the year radiocarbon dating was…

The Aztecs were a powerful Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in central Mexico between the 14th and early 16th centuries, known for their capital city Tenochtitlán, complex social organization, and rich cultural traditions. 🌍 Origins & History The Aztecs (also called Mexica) migrated from a legendary homeland called Aztlán to central Mexico around the 13th century.…

In anthropology, archaeology, and geography, azimuth is a directional measurement used to describe orientation relative to a reference point, usually true north. It is a concept borrowed from astronomy and navigation but widely applied in fieldwork and site analysis. 🌍 Definition Azimuth: The angle between a reference direction (typically north) and the line to an…

The aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) is a rare and unusual lemur native to Madagascar, famous for its distinctive appearance and unique foraging behavior. It is one of the most striking examples of evolutionary specialization among primates. 🌍 Definition & Taxonomy Species: Daubentonia madagascariensis Family: Daubentoniidae (the aye-aye is the only living member) Classification: A type of…

In anthropology and archaeology, an axe is a cutting or chopping tool, often hafted to a handle, used for woodworking, hunting, warfare, and ritual purposes. Axes are among the most significant artifacts in human technological and cultural history, bridging utilitarian function and symbolic meaning. 🌍 Definition Axe: A tool with a heavy blade (stone, bronze,…

In anthropology and archaeology, an awl is a small, pointed tool used for piercing, perforating, or incising materials such as leather, wood, or bone. Awls are among the most common artifacts found in prehistoric contexts, reflecting both utilitarian and symbolic dimensions of material culture. 🌍 Definition Awl: A pointed implement, often made of bone, antler,…

In anthropology, avunculocal residence is a postmarital residence pattern in which a married couple lives with or near the husband’s maternal uncle. It is a relatively rare but culturally significant system, closely tied to matrilineal kinship structures. 🌍 Definition Avunculocal Residence: From avunculus (Latin for “maternal uncle”), meaning the couple resides with the husband’s mother’s…