In anthropology and sociology, assortative mating refers to the tendency of individuals to select partners who are similar (or sometimes dissimilar) to themselves in certain traits. It is a key concept in understanding marriage patterns, kinship, and social stratification. 🌍 Definition Assortative Mating: The non-random pairing of individuals based on shared or contrasting characteristics. Positive…

In anthropology and sociology, an association refers to a formally organized group of individuals who come together for a specific purpose, interest, or function. Unlike kinship groups (based on family ties) or communities (based on locality), associations are voluntary and goal-oriented, often reflecting social, economic, political, or religious interests. 🌍 Definition Association: A social group…

In anthropology and archaeology, an assemblage refers to a group of artifacts found together in a specific context, representing the material culture of a community at a particular time and place. It is one of the most fundamental analytical units in archaeology. 🌍 Definition Assemblage: A collection of artifacts, ecofacts, and sometimes features recovered from…

In anthropology and sociology, an ascribed status is a social position assigned to an individual at birth or involuntarily later in life, rather than one achieved through personal effort or choice. It reflects characteristics such as kinship, ethnicity, gender, or age that societies use to organize roles and expectations. 🌍 Definition Ascribed Status: A social…

In anthropology and archaeology, an artifact is any object made, modified, or used by humans, typically recovered from archaeological sites. Artifacts are the material traces of human activity and are central to reconstructing past lifeways, technologies, and cultural identities. 🌍 Definition Artifact: A portable object created or altered by humans, distinguished from ecofacts (natural remains…

In anthropology, an art object refers to a material artifact created with aesthetic, symbolic, or ritual significance, often studied to understand cultural values, identity, and social practices. Unlike purely utilitarian tools, art objects embody meaning beyond function, serving as expressions of belief, status, or creativity. 🌍 Definition Art Object: Any crafted item—sculpture, painting, mask, figurine,…

In anthropology and archaeology, an arrowhead (or arrowpoint) is a small, pointed stone or metal artifact designed to be attached to the end of a shaft, forming a projectile weapon. Arrowheads are among the most common artifacts found at archaeological sites and are key to understanding prehistoric technology, hunting practices, and cultural identity. 🌍 Definition…

In anthropology, arranged marriage is a social institution where families—often parents—select a spouse for an individual, emphasizing kinship, tradition, and collective interests over personal choice. It is common in collectivist societies and historically served to strengthen alliances, preserve lineage, and maintain cultural continuity. 🌍 Definition Arranged Marriage: A marital union organized by families rather than…

In anthropology, an archetype refers to a universal, recurring symbol, motif, or character pattern found across cultures, often used to interpret myths, rituals, and collective human behavior. The concept comes largely from Carl Jung’s analytical psychology but has been widely applied in anthropology, comparative mythology, and cultural studies. 🌍 Definition Archetype: A fundamental image or…

In anthropology, “archaic primates” refers to the earliest primates and primate-like mammals that lived during the Paleocene and Eocene epochs (about 65–34 million years ago). These species represent the ancestral forms from which modern primates—including monkeys, apes, and humans—eventually evolved. 🌍 Definition Archaic Primates: Extinct primate-like mammals that show early adaptations toward arboreal life, grasping…

In anthropology and archaeology, the Archaic Period refers to a broad era in North American prehistory (roughly 8000–1000 BCE) when hunter-gatherer societies adapted to post-Ice Age environments, developing new technologies, subsistence strategies, and social structures. It marks the transition between the Paleoindian period and later agricultural societies. 🌍 Definition Archaic Period: A chronological stage in…

Archaeozoology (also called zooarchaeology) is the branch of archaeology and anthropology that studies animal remains from archaeological sites to understand past human–animal relationships. It combines biology, archaeology, and anthropology to reconstruct diet, economy, environment, and cultural practices. 🌍 Definition Archaeozoology / Zooarchaeology: The analysis of animal bones, shells, and other remains recovered from archaeological contexts.…