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Material culture is something that refers to the relationship between artifacts and social relations. As a social science then, material culture is the study of societies and their relationship to material items that people deem important or not. This kind of investigation can tell you about most aspects of a culture, such as its attitudes, value of science, language, education, art, nature, manual labor, and a culture’s approach to and integration of religion and religious values.
Anthropologists and archaeologists often look at the physical objects of a culture and make assessments about the value and significance of them. In some of the earliest civilizations in the Indus Valley region in the northwest of the Indian subcontinent, archaeologists found this devotional item (shown below) honoring the lord and protector of the animals, or Pashupati. It is considered to be a precursor to the Hindu god Shiva.
Hindu religion and culture include many rituals. In the following picture, someone is performing a Vedic fire ritual called a Homa, in which items such as grains, clarified butter, and incense are offered to one of the Hindu gods. He may also be reciting part of the Brahmana or commentaries on the sacred texts, the Veda.
In Christianity, the ceremony of the Eucharist is a ritual reenactment of Christ’s giving his body and blood to the disciples during the Last Supper.
It has been a central element in Christianity since that day. Most churches will have a chalice for the ritual of the Eucharist. It doesn’t have to be old and dusty to be a powerful symbol. There are new ones easily available for purchase.
Objects that have religious and spiritual significance are likely to be all around us. You probably have some kind of sacred object in your home. Maybe you use it for prayer. Certain keepsakes and memorabilia might fit into this category. In any case, as you study the world religions you will come into contact with different beliefs and practices that involve material items that are used in rituals and ceremonies.
Source: THIS TUTORIAL WAS AUTHORED BY TED FAIRCHILD FOR SOPHIA LEARNING. Please see our Terms of Use.
