Definition: The culture people hypothesis is the theory that specific material culture and characteristics (like pot decorations and projectile point types, etc.) can be associated with a particular cultural group. This was explicitly set out by V.G. Childe, but it was based on the work of the German archaeologist Gustav Kossinna. While this may very well be the underpinning of most archaeological theory, its simple one-to-one ratio doesn't effectively describe the social context of archaeological remains.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
