In anthropology and sociology, autonomy refers to the capacity of individuals, groups, or societies to govern themselves, make independent decisions, and maintain control over their actions without external domination. It is both a philosophical concept and a practical condition, often studied in relation to identity, power, and cultural survival. 🌍 Definition Autonomy: Self-rule, independence, or…

In anthropology and cultural studies, authentic refers to something regarded as genuine, original, or true to its cultural, historical, or social context. The term is often debated, since authenticity is not an inherent property but a perception shaped by cultural values, identity, and power relations. 🌍 Definition Authentic: Considered genuine, not a copy or imitation,…

In evolutionary biology and anthropology, an autapomorphic feature is a derived trait unique to a single species or lineage, distinguishing it from all others. It is a key concept in cladistics (phylogenetic systematics), used to identify evolutionary novelty but not to establish shared ancestry. 🌍 Definition Autapomorphy: A derived character state found only in one…

In anthropology, biology, and material culture, auriculate is a descriptive term meaning “having ear-like appendages or lobes.” It is used across disciplines to describe shapes, structures, or features that resemble ears. 🌍 Definition Auriculate: From Latin auricula (“little ear”), meaning “ear-shaped” or “bearing lobes like ears.” General Use: Applied to plants, animals, artifacts, and anatomical…

In anthropology and anatomy, the term auricle has two primary meanings depending on context: one cultural/biological and one strictly anatomical. 🌍 Definitions Auricle (Anatomical – Ear): The external, visible part of the ear (also called the pinna). Made of cartilage and skin, it collects sound waves and directs them into the auditory canal. Auricle (Anatomical…

In anthropology and archaeology, augering is a field technique used to investigate subsurface deposits by drilling small test holes with a soil auger. It is a rapid, minimally invasive method for assessing stratigraphy, site boundaries, and sediment composition without full-scale excavation. 🌍 Definition Augering: The use of a hand auger (or mechanical auger) to extract…

In anthropology and archaeology, an attritional age profile describes the age distribution of animal remains at a site that reflects natural mortality patterns rather than mass hunting or catastrophic events. It is a key concept in zooarchaeology (archaeozoology) for interpreting how humans interacted with animals and how herds or populations were managed. 🌍 Definition Attritional…

In anthropology and archaeology, an attribute is a specific characteristic or property of an artifact, feature, or cultural element that can be described, measured, or classified. Attributes are the building blocks of analysis, allowing researchers to compare, categorize, and interpret material culture. 🌍 Definition Attribute: A descriptive or measurable property of an artifact, ecofact, or…

Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) is an analytical technique used to measure the concentration of chemical elements by analyzing how free atoms absorb light at specific wavelengths. In anthropology and archaeology, it is often applied to study trace elements in artifacts, bones, and soils, helping reconstruct diet, trade, and environmental conditions. 🌍 Definition Atomic Absorption Spectrometry…

In anthropology, “asymmetrical” generally refers to relationships, structures, or patterns that are unequal, imbalanced, or non-reciprocal. The term is applied across kinship, social organization, material culture, and even physical traits. 🌍 Definition Asymmetrical: Lacking symmetry; unequal in form, function, or relationship. Anthropological Use: Describes social, cultural, or biological phenomena where balance or reciprocity is absent.…

In anthropology and archaeology, an atlatl-weight (often called a bannerstone in North America) is a stone or mineral object attached to an atlatl (spear-thrower) to modify its balance, performance, or symbolic meaning. These weights are among the most distinctive artifacts associated with atlatl technology. 🌍 Definition Atlatl-Weight: A shaped stone, usually drilled or grooved, affixed…

In anthropology and archaeology, an atlatl is a spear-thrower—a tool that extends the arm to launch darts or spears with greater force and distance. It represents a major technological innovation in prehistoric hunting and warfare. 🌍 Definition Atlatl: A lever-like device, usually a carved stick with a hook or socket at one end, used to…