In anthropology, biology, and kinship studies, consanguineous mating refers to unions between individuals who are closely related by blood. It is a key concept in understanding kinship rules, marriage practices, and genetic consequences across cultures. 🌍 Definition Consanguineous Mating: Reproduction between individuals who share a common ancestor, typically defined as second cousins or closer. Contrast:…

In anthropology and kinship studies, consanguineal kin are relatives who are connected by blood ties—that is, through biological descent rather than marriage or social alliance. This is a foundational category in kinship analysis, contrasting with affinal kin (relatives by marriage). 🌍 Definition Consanguineal Kin: Individuals related by common ancestry (parents, children, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles,…

In anthropology and kinship studies, the term consanguine refers to individuals who are related by blood—that is, through biological descent rather than marriage or other social ties. It is a foundational concept in understanding kinship systems across cultures. 🌍 Definition Consanguine: A person connected to another through common ancestry or descent (blood relatives). Contrast: Distinguished…

The conoidal theory of flint fracture explains how flint and similar cryptocrystalline materials break when struck, producing a cone-shaped fracture pattern that is fundamental to stone tool making. 🌍 Definition Conoidal Theory of Flint Fracture: A principle in lithic technology stating that when force is applied to flint (or similar brittle stone), the shock travels…

In anthropology and archaeology, the conjunctive approach is a methodological framework that emphasizes studying artifacts and cultural remains in their full context, rather than isolating them as mere objects. It was developed in the mid‑20th century as a response to earlier artifact-focused archaeology. 🌍 Definition Conjunctive Approach: A holistic method of archaeological interpretation that integrates…

In anthropology, a conjugal relationship refers to the socially recognized union between two individuals—typically involving marriage, cohabitation, or partnership—centered on sexual, reproductive, and domestic bonds. It is a key concept in kinship studies, family organization, and cultural systems of exchange. 🌍 Definition Conjugal Relationship: A union between two people that establishes rights and obligations related…

In anthropology and archaeology, the term conical is a descriptive adjective used to identify shapes, structures, or artifacts that taper smoothly from a broad base to a pointed apex—essentially, cone-shaped. It appears frequently in discussions of lithic technology, architecture, and material culture. 🌍 Definition Conical: Having the form of a cone, with a circular or…

Conglomerate is a term with dual importance in geology and anthropology/archaeology, describing both a type of rock and, metaphorically, a clustering of cultural or industrial elements. 🌍 Geological Definition Conglomerate (Rock): A coarse-grained sedimentary rock composed of rounded clasts (pebbles, cobbles, boulders) cemented together by finer material such as sand, silt, or clay. Formation: Created…

Conflict in anthropology refers to the struggles, disputes, or tensions that arise when individuals, groups, or societies pursue incompatible goals, values, or resources. It is a central theme in understanding human social organization, cultural variation, and mechanisms of resolution. 🌍 Definition Conflict: A situation of opposition between parties due to competing interests, values, or resources.…

Conduction is a concept used in physics, materials science, and anthropology (especially archaeometry and cultural studies) to describe the transfer of energy—usually heat or electricity—through direct contact of particles or materials. In anthropology, it often appears in discussions of technology, material culture, and human adaptation. 🌍 Definition Conduction (Physics): The transfer of thermal or electrical…

Concretion is a term used in geology, archaeology, and anthropology to describe a natural or cultural phenomenon where materials accumulate and harden into a compact mass. It’s most often encountered in the study of minerals, fossils, and artifact preservation. 🌍 Definition Geological Concretion: A hard, compact mass formed by the precipitation of mineral cement within…

Conchoidal fracture is a term used in archaeology, anthropology, geology, and materials science to describe the distinctive way certain brittle materials break, producing smooth, curved, shell-like surfaces. It is central to understanding stone tool production in prehistoric contexts. 🌍 Definition Conchoidal Fracture: A fracture pattern that produces curved, rippling surfaces resembling the interior of a…