What is an example of a material culture?

Material culture refers to the physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture. This includes tangible items that are crafted or utilized by a society, which can provide insight into their lifestyles, beliefs, and practices. Clothing and tools exemplify material culture because they are concrete items that serve specific functions within a community. Clothing reflects not only practical needs but also social identity, cultural heritage, and sometimes status. Tools represent technological advancement and can indicate the ways in which a society interacts with its environment.

In contrast, beliefs and values, customs and traditions, as well as language and communication represent non-material culture. These aspects pertain to the intangible elements that shape social behavior, norms, and identities but do not manifest as physical objects. Understanding material culture helps anthropologists analyze how societies create and use objects, revealing deeper meanings about cultural practices and social organization.