What is an example of material culture?

Material culture refers to the physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture. It encompasses tangible items that hold significance within a society, which can include tools, buildings, clothing, art, and more. Family heirlooms are a prime example of material culture because they are physical objects that carry personal and cultural significance, often being passed down through generations. They not only have value in terms of their craftsmanship or monetary worth but also embody the history, traditions, and identity of a family or community.

In contrast, religious beliefs, common community rituals, and public artworks, while indeed important aspects of culture, do not fall under the category of material culture. Religious beliefs are intangible concepts, common community rituals are practices that occur among people, and public artworks can be seen as material culture but in broader contexts they may also convey ideas and values that extend beyond the physical objects themselves.