Folk Geography

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Folk Geography Folk Geography The Human Mosaic The Human Mosaic Chapter 7 Chapter 7

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Folk Geography. The Human Mosaic Chapter 7. Differences between popular and folk culture. Popular culture Consists of large masses of people who conform to and prescribe to ever-changing norms Large heterogeneous groups Often highly individualistic and groups are constantly changing - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Transcript of Folk Geography

Page 1: Folk Geography

Folk GeographyFolk Geography

The Human MosaicThe Human Mosaic

Chapter 7Chapter 7

Page 2: Folk Geography

Differences between popular and Differences between popular and folk culturefolk culture

Popular culturePopular culture– Consists of large masses of people who Consists of large masses of people who

conform to and prescribe to ever-changing conform to and prescribe to ever-changing normsnorms

– Large heterogeneous groupsLarge heterogeneous groups– Often highly individualistic and groups are Often highly individualistic and groups are

constantly changingconstantly changing– Pronounced division of labor leading to Pronounced division of labor leading to

establishment of specialized professionsestablishment of specialized professions– Police and army take the place of religion and Police and army take the place of religion and

family in maintaining orderfamily in maintaining order

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Differences between popular and Differences between popular and folk culturefolk culture

Popular culturePopular culture– Money based economy prevailsMoney based economy prevails– Replacing folk culture in industrialized Replacing folk culture in industrialized

countries and many developing nationscountries and many developing nations– Folk-made objects give way to their Folk-made objects give way to their

popular equivalentpopular equivalent Item is more quickly or cheaply producedItem is more quickly or cheaply producedEasier or time-saving to useEasier or time-saving to useLends prestige to ownerLends prestige to owner

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Differences between popular and Differences between popular and folk culturefolk culture

Folk cultureFolk culture– Made up of people who maintain the traditionalMade up of people who maintain the traditional– Describes people who live in an old-fashioned Describes people who live in an old-fashioned

way-simpler life-styleway-simpler life-style– Rural, cohesive, conservative, largely self-Rural, cohesive, conservative, largely self-

sufficient group, homogeneous in customsufficient group, homogeneous in custom– Strong family or clan structure and highly Strong family or clan structure and highly

developed ritualsdeveloped rituals– Tradition is paramount — change comes Tradition is paramount — change comes

infrequently and slowlyinfrequently and slowly

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Differences between popular and Differences between popular and folk culturefolk culture

Folk cultureFolk cultureLittle specialization in labor though duties Little specialization in labor though duties

may vary between gendersmay vary between gendersSubsistence economy prevailsSubsistence economy prevails Individualism and social classes are weakly Individualism and social classes are weakly

developeddeveloped In parts of the less-developed world, folk In parts of the less-developed world, folk

cultures remain commoncultures remain common Industrialized countries no longer have Industrialized countries no longer have

unaltered folk culturesunaltered folk cultures

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Differences between popular and Differences between popular and folk culturefolk culture

Folk cultureFolk cultureThe Amish in the United StatesThe Amish in the United States

– Perhaps the nearest modem equivalent in Anglo-Perhaps the nearest modem equivalent in Anglo-AmericaAmerica

– German-American farming sectGerman-American farming sect– Largely renounces products and labor-saving Largely renounces products and labor-saving

devices of the industrial agedevices of the industrial age– Horse-drawn buggies still used, and faithful own Horse-drawn buggies still used, and faithful own

no autos or appliancesno autos or appliances– Central religion concept of Central religion concept of demut, ”demut, ”humility,” humility,”

reflects weakness of individualism and social classreflects weakness of individualism and social class– Rarely marry outside their sectRarely marry outside their sect

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Differences between popular and Differences between popular and folk culturefolk culture

Folk cultureFolk culture Typically, bearers of folk culture combine folk and Typically, bearers of folk culture combine folk and

nonfolk elements in their livesnonfolk elements in their lives Includes both material and nonmaterial elementsIncludes both material and nonmaterial elements

– Material culture Material culture includes all objects or “things” made includes all objects or “things” made and used by members of a cultural group—material and used by members of a cultural group—material elements are visibleelements are visible

– Nomnaterial culture, Nomnaterial culture, including folklore, can be defined including folklore, can be defined as oral, including the wide range of tales, songs, lore, as oral, including the wide range of tales, songs, lore, beliefs, superstitions, and customsbeliefs, superstitions, and customs

Other aspects of nonmaterial culture include dialects, Other aspects of nonmaterial culture include dialects, religions, and worldviewsreligions, and worldviews

Folk geography—defined Folk geography—defined as the study of the spatial as the study of the spatial patterns and ecology of folklifepatterns and ecology of folklife

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Culture RegionsCulture Regions

Folk Culture RegionsFolk Culture Regions Folk Cultural DiffusionFolk Cultural Diffusion Folk EcologyFolk Ecology Cultural Integration in Folk Cultural Integration in Folk

GeographyGeography Folk LandscapesFolk Landscapes

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Material folk culture regionsMaterial folk culture regions

Vestiges of material folk culture Vestiges of material folk culture remain in various parts of the United remain in various parts of the United States and Canada States and Canada

Material artifacts of 15 culture Material artifacts of 15 culture regions in North America survive in regions in North America survive in some abundance though they are in some abundance though they are in general declinegeneral decline

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Material folk culture regionsMaterial folk culture regions

Each region possesses many Each region possesses many distinctive items of material culturedistinctive items of material culture– Germanized Pennsylvanian folk region—Germanized Pennsylvanian folk region—

has an unusual SwissGerman type of has an unusual SwissGerman type of barn barn

– Yankee folk region—traditional Yankee folk region—traditional gravestone art, with “winged death gravestone art, with “winged death heads,” and barns attached to the rear heads,” and barns attached to the rear of housesof houses

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Material folk culture regionsMaterial folk culture regions

Each region possesses many Each region possesses many distinctive items of material culturedistinctive items of material culture– Upland South region—notched-log Upland South region—notched-log

construction, used in building a variety construction, used in building a variety of distinctive house types such as the of distinctive house types such as the “dogtrot”“dogtrot”

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Material folk culture regionsMaterial folk culture regions

Each region possesses many Each region possesses many distinctive items of material culturedistinctive items of material culture– African-American folk region—scraped-African-American folk region—scraped-

earth cemetery, banjo that originated in earth cemetery, banjo that originated in Africa, and head scarfs worn by women Africa, and head scarfs worn by women

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Material folk culture regionsMaterial folk culture regions

Each region possesses many Each region possesses many distinctive items of material culturedistinctive items of material culture– Quebec French folk region-grist Quebec French folk region-grist

windmills with stone towers, and a windmills with stone towers, and a bowling game played with small metal bowling game played with small metal ballsballs

– Mormon folk culture — distinctive hay Mormon folk culture — distinctive hay derricks and gridiron farm villagesderricks and gridiron farm villages

– Western plains ranching folk culture — Western plains ranching folk culture — the “beef wheel,” a windlass used the “beef wheel,” a windlass used during butcheringduring butchering

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QuebecQuebec

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QuebecQuebec

PetanquePetanque, a , a bowling game bowling game played with metal played with metal balls, diffused to balls, diffused to Canada with French Canada with French immigrants in the immigrants in the 1616thth century. It has century. It has persisted as one persisted as one aspect of Quebec aspect of Quebec French folk region.French folk region.

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Folk food regions Folk food regions

Traditional foods of folk cultures Traditional foods of folk cultures probably endure longer than any probably endure longer than any other traitother trait

In Latin America, folk cultures remain In Latin America, folk cultures remain vivid with diverse culinary traditionsvivid with diverse culinary traditions

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Folk food regions Folk food regions Mexico—abundant use of chili peppers in Mexico—abundant use of chili peppers in

cooking and maize for tortillascooking and maize for tortillas Caribbean areas — combined rice-bean Caribbean areas — combined rice-bean

dishes and various rum drinksdishes and various rum drinks Amazonian region — monkey and caimanAmazonian region — monkey and caiman Brazil — cuscuz (cooked grain) and Brazil — cuscuz (cooked grain) and

sugarcane brandysugarcane brandy Pampas style — carne asada (roasted Pampas style — carne asada (roasted

beef), wine and yerba mate (herbal tea)beef), wine and yerba mate (herbal tea) Pacific-coastal Creole — manjar blanco (a Pacific-coastal Creole — manjar blanco (a

pudding)pudding)

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Folk food regions Folk food regions

Latin American foods derive from Latin American foods derive from Amerindians, Africans, Spaniards, Amerindians, Africans, Spaniards, and Portugueseand Portuguese

Pattern of Latin American is not Pattern of Latin American is not simple and culinary regions are not simple and culinary regions are not as homogeneous as the map we saw as homogeneous as the map we saw suggestssuggests

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Folklore regions Folklore regions

Displays regional contrasts in much the Displays regional contrasts in much the same way as material folk culturesame way as material folk culture

Folk geographers consider diverse Folk geographers consider diverse nonmaterial phenomena as folktales, dance, nonmaterial phenomena as folktales, dance, music, myths, legends, and proverbsmusic, myths, legends, and proverbs

Most thoroughly studied in EuropeMost thoroughly studied in Europe– First research appeared early in the nineteenth First research appeared early in the nineteenth

centurycentury– We know more about vanished folk cultures than We know more about vanished folk cultures than

surviving onessurviving ones– Example of SwitzerlandExample of Switzerland

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Folklore regions Folklore regions

Four cultural folk-song regions of Four cultural folk-song regions of North America as recognized by Alan North America as recognized by Alan LomaxLomax– Northern traditionNorthern tradition

Unaccompanied solo singing in hard, open-Unaccompanied solo singing in hard, open-voiced clear tonesvoiced clear tones

Based on British balladsBased on British ballads

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Folklore regions Folklore regions

Four cultural folk-song regions of Four cultural folk-song regions of North America as recognized by Alan North America as recognized by Alan LomaxLomax– Southern traditionSouthern tradition

Unison singing is rareUnison singing is rareSolo is high-pitched and nasalSolo is high-pitched and nasalCombines English and Scotch-Irish elementsCombines English and Scotch-Irish elementsBallads more guilt-ridden and violent than Ballads more guilt-ridden and violent than

those of the Norththose of the North

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Folklore regions Folklore regions Four cultural folk-song regions of North Four cultural folk-song regions of North

America as recognized by Alan LomaxAmerica as recognized by Alan Lomax– Western style-simply a blend of the Southern Western style-simply a blend of the Southern

and Northern traditionsand Northern traditions– African-American traditionAfrican-American tradition– Contains both African and British elementsContains both African and British elements– Polyrhythmic songs of labor and worship with Polyrhythmic songs of labor and worship with

instrumental accompanimentinstrumental accompaniment– Chorus group singing, clapping, body swaying, Chorus group singing, clapping, body swaying,

and strong, surging beatand strong, surging beat Each tradition shows distinctive melodies, Each tradition shows distinctive melodies,

instrumentation, and motifsinstrumentation, and motifs

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Culture RegionsCulture Regions

Folk Culture RegionsFolk Culture Regions Folk Cultural DiffusionFolk Cultural Diffusion Folk EcologyFolk Ecology Cultural Integration in Folk Cultural Integration in Folk

GeographyGeography Folk LandscapesFolk Landscapes

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Folk cultural diffusionFolk cultural diffusion

Diffuses by the same methods as Diffuses by the same methods as other cultural elements, but more other cultural elements, but more slowlyslowly

Weakly developed social stratification Weakly developed social stratification tends to retard hierarchical diffusiontends to retard hierarchical diffusion

Inherent conservatism produces Inherent conservatism produces resistance to changeresistance to change

Essential difference between folk and Essential difference between folk and popular culture is speed by which popular culture is speed by which expansion diffusion occursexpansion diffusion occurs

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NetherlandsNetherlands

The town of Bunschoten The town of Bunschoten Spakensburg is one of Spakensburg is one of several in the several in the Netherlands retaining Netherlands retaining elements of folk elements of folk tradition.tradition.

Many people continue Many people continue to dress in traditional to dress in traditional garb.garb.

Since costumes differ Since costumes differ regionally, an expert regionally, an expert can tell where a person can tell where a person is from by her clothing.is from by her clothing.

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Folk cultural diffusionFolk cultural diffusion

Folk songsFolk songs– Slow progress of expansion diffusion in Anglo-Slow progress of expansion diffusion in Anglo-

America religious folk songs in the United America religious folk songs in the United States States

Eighteenth century core area based mainly in Yankee Eighteenth century core area based mainly in Yankee Puritan folk culturePuritan folk culture

White spiritual songs spread southwest into the White spiritual songs spread southwest into the Upland SouthUpland South

Today, still retain greatest acceptance in Upland Today, still retain greatest acceptance in Upland SouthSouth

Disappearance from northern source region may be Disappearance from northern source region may be because of urbanization and popularization of culture because of urbanization and popularization of culture in the Northin the North

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Folk cultural diffusionFolk cultural diffusion

Folk songsFolk songs– Simple folk melodies of the spirituals Simple folk melodies of the spirituals

diffused by means of outdoor “revivals” diffused by means of outdoor “revivals” and “camp-meetings”and “camp-meetings”

– Non-English-speaking people and non-Non-English-speaking people and non-protestants were little influenced by protestants were little influenced by spiritual movementspiritual movementLanguage and religion proved absorbing Language and religion proved absorbing

barriers to diffusionbarriers to diffusionFrench Canadians and Louisiana French French Canadians and Louisiana French

were not affected by the movementwere not affected by the movement

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Agricultural fairsAgricultural fairs

Originated in the Yankee region, spread Originated in the Yankee region, spread west and southwest by expansion diffusionwest and southwest by expansion diffusion

A custom rooted in medieval European folk A custom rooted in medieval European folk traditiontradition

First American agricultural fair was held in First American agricultural fair was held in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1810Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1810– Idea gained favor throughout Western New Idea gained favor throughout Western New

England and adjacent Hudson Valley England and adjacent Hudson Valley – Diffused into the Midwest where it gained its Diffused into the Midwest where it gained its

widest acceptancewidest acceptance

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Agricultural fairsAgricultural fairs

Originated in the Yankee region, spread Originated in the Yankee region, spread west and southwest by expansion diffusionwest and southwest by expansion diffusion

A custom rooted in medieval European folk A custom rooted in medieval European folk traditiontradition

First American agricultural fair was held in First American agricultural fair was held in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1810Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1810– Idea gained favor throughout Western New Idea gained favor throughout Western New

England and adjacent Hudson Valley England and adjacent Hudson Valley – Diffused into the Midwest where it gained its Diffused into the Midwest where it gained its

widest acceptancewidest acceptance

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Agricultural fairsAgricultural fairs

Normally promoted by agricultural societiesNormally promoted by agricultural societies– Originally educational in purposeOriginally educational in purpose– Farmers could learn about improved methods Farmers could learn about improved methods

and breedsand breeds– Entertainment function added — racetrack and Entertainment function added — racetrack and

midwaymidway– Competition for prizes for superior agricultural Competition for prizes for superior agricultural

products became commonproducts became common By the early twentieth century, fairs had By the early twentieth century, fairs had

diffused through most of the United Statesdiffused through most of the United States

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Hay stackers Hay stackers

Mountain Western American folk Mountain Western American folk culture produced innovationsculture produced innovations

Beaverslide hay stackerBeaverslide hay stacker– Originated in 1907 in Montana’s Big Originated in 1907 in Montana’s Big

Hole ValleyHole Valley– Because of recent origin, we know more Because of recent origin, we know more

about its diffusionabout its diffusion– 30-odd feet tall, wooden ramp structure 30-odd feet tall, wooden ramp structure

used to raise hay to the top of a stackused to raise hay to the top of a stack

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Hay stackers Hay stackers

Beaverslide hay stackerBeaverslide hay stacker– Employed horsepower to pull a basket Employed horsepower to pull a basket

up an inclined surfaceup an inclined surface– Use spread to at least eight nearby Use spread to at least eight nearby

states and into three Canadian states and into three Canadian provincesprovinces

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Blowguns Blowguns Often past diffusion of a folk culture item Often past diffusion of a folk culture item

is not clearly known or understood, which is not clearly known or understood, which presents problems of interpretationpresents problems of interpretation

Example of the blowgun — long, hollow Example of the blowgun — long, hollow tube through which a projectile is blown by tube through which a projectile is blown by force of breathforce of breath

Geographer Stephen Jett mapped Geographer Stephen Jett mapped distribution of blowgundistribution of blowgun– Found among folk societies in both the Eastern Found among folk societies in both the Eastern

and Western Hemispheresand Western Hemispheres– Used from the island of Madagascar to Used from the island of Madagascar to

Amazonian jungles of South America Amazonian jungles of South America

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BlowgunsBlowguns

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BlowgunsBlowguns

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Blowguns Blowguns Apparently first invented by Indonesian people on Apparently first invented by Indonesian people on

the island of Borneothe island of Borneo Diffused with the Austronesian linguistic groupDiffused with the Austronesian linguistic group Spread through much of the equatorial island belt Spread through much of the equatorial island belt

of Eastern Hemisphereof Eastern Hemisphere Hard to account for its presence among Hard to account for its presence among

Amerindian groups in Western HemisphereAmerindian groups in Western Hemisphere– Was it independently invented by Amerindians?Was it independently invented by Amerindians?– Was it brought by relocation diffusion in pre-Columbian Was it brought by relocation diffusion in pre-Columbian

times?times?– Did it spread to New World after European discovery of Did it spread to New World after European discovery of

America?America?– No answers to above questionsNo answers to above questions

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African Stone Game, MalawiAfrican Stone Game, Malawi

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African Stone Game, MalawiAfrican Stone Game, Malawi

These men are These men are playing a game playing a game commonly known commonly known as as mancalamancala. . Archaeological Archaeological evidence shows evidence shows that the game was that the game was played in ancient played in ancient times in many times in many locations in Africa locations in Africa and Asia including and Asia including Indonesia.Indonesia.

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African Stone Game, MalawiAfrican Stone Game, Malawi

The 200 million years The 200 million years ago existence of ago existence of Pangaea, a single Pangaea, a single landmass that landmass that subsequently broke subsequently broke apart with continental apart with continental drift, would account for drift, would account for the wide distribution of the wide distribution of the stone game. Today the stone game. Today it is sold in stores across it is sold in stores across America – an element of America – an element of folk culture in a world of folk culture in a world of popular culture.popular culture.

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Blowguns Blowguns

Nonliterate condition of many folk cultures Nonliterate condition of many folk cultures precludes written records that might reveal precludes written records that might reveal diffusiondiffusion

Jett favors transpacific diffusion from Jett favors transpacific diffusion from Indonesia before the time of ColumbusIndonesia before the time of Columbus– You must explain why it is not found in the You must explain why it is not found in the

South Pacific islands and AfricaSouth Pacific islands and Africa– If you support independent invention, you must If you support independent invention, you must

accept an identical device was invented two accept an identical device was invented two timestimes

– Cultural diffusion presents such problemsCultural diffusion presents such problems

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Blowguns Blowguns

Independent invention is always possibleIndependent invention is always possible Carl Sauer’s proposal that plant Carl Sauer’s proposal that plant

domestication occurred independently in domestication occurred independently in both hemispheres helped free cultural both hemispheres helped free cultural geographers from deterministic view that geographers from deterministic view that each invention had a single origineach invention had a single origin

If one or more If one or more nonfunctional nonfunctional features, of features, of blowguns, such as a decorative motif, blowguns, such as a decorative motif, occurred in both hemispheres — diffusion occurred in both hemispheres — diffusion would be the logical conclusionwould be the logical conclusion

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Culture RegionsCulture Regions

Folk Culture RegionsFolk Culture Regions Folk Cultural DiffusionFolk Cultural Diffusion Folk EcologyFolk Ecology Cultural Integration in Folk Cultural Integration in Folk

GeographyGeography Folk LandscapesFolk Landscapes

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Folk ecologyFolk ecology

Folk group’s close relationship with Folk group’s close relationship with the physical environmentthe physical environment– Adaptive strategies possess sustainabilityAdaptive strategies possess sustainability– Livelihood gained directly through Livelihood gained directly through

primary activities — farming, herding, primary activities — farming, herding, hunting, gathering, and fishinghunting, gathering, and fishing

– Languages bear vocabularies required to Languages bear vocabularies required to exploit the habitatexploit the habitat

– Religions act to mitigate environmental Religions act to mitigate environmental hazardshazards

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Folk ecologyFolk ecology

Folk tales honor great huntersFolk tales honor great hunters Proverbs offer wisdom concerning weather Proverbs offer wisdom concerning weather

and proper time for plantingand proper time for planting Architecture reflects local building Architecture reflects local building

materials and climate materials and climate One is tempted to conclude folkways exist One is tempted to conclude folkways exist

to facilitate the adjustment to physical to facilitate the adjustment to physical environmentenvironment

It is easy to believe the path of It is easy to believe the path of environmental determinismenvironmental determinism

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Folk ecologyFolk ecology

Folkways involve more than merely Folkways involve more than merely cultural adaptationcultural adaptation– A variety of folk cultures can exist in any A variety of folk cultures can exist in any

particular ecosystemparticular ecosystem– They are not enslaved and wholly shaped by They are not enslaved and wholly shaped by

their physical surroundingstheir physical surroundings– Not necessarily true that they live in close Not necessarily true that they live in close

harmony with their environmentharmony with their environment Often soil erosion, deforestation, and Often soil erosion, deforestation, and

overkill of wild animals can be attributed overkill of wild animals can be attributed to traditional rural folkto traditional rural folk

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Geophagy Geophagy

Defined—the eating of earthDefined—the eating of earth Most common in parts of Africa and Most common in parts of Africa and

in the American South among in the American South among Americans of African ancestryAmericans of African ancestry

Certain kinds of clay are the Certain kinds of clay are the preferred earth for eatingpreferred earth for eating

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Geophagy Geophagy

In African source regions, clays are In African source regions, clays are consumed for a variety of reasonsconsumed for a variety of reasons– As a treatment for certain diseases and parasitesAs a treatment for certain diseases and parasites– Provides nutrients for pregnant women and Provides nutrients for pregnant women and

growing childrengrowing children– Consumed as part of religious ceremoniesConsumed as part of religious ceremonies

In the African-American folk region of the In the African-American folk region of the South coastal plain, geophagy is confined South coastal plain, geophagy is confined mainly to pregnant black women and to mainly to pregnant black women and to black children under the age of fiveblack children under the age of five

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Folk medicineFolk medicine

Common to treat diseases and Common to treat diseases and disorders with drugs and medicines disorders with drugs and medicines derived from the root, bark, blossom, derived from the root, bark, blossom, or fruit of plantsor fruit of plants

In the United States, folk medicine is In the United States, folk medicine is best preserved in the Upland Southbest preserved in the Upland South

Particularly southern AppalachiaParticularly southern AppalachiaOn some Indian reservationsOn some Indian reservationsThe Mexican borderlandThe Mexican borderland

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Folk medicineFolk medicine

Many folk cures have proven Many folk cures have proven effectivenesseffectiveness

Root digging in the AppalachiansRoot digging in the Appalachians– Much of the produce is now funneled to Much of the produce is now funneled to

dealers, who serve a larger market dealers, who serve a larger market – Remains at heart a folk enterprise Remains at heart a folk enterprise

carried on in the old wayscarried on in the old ways– Requires the traditional through Requires the traditional through

knowledge of the plant environmentknowledge of the plant environment

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Folk medicineFolk medicine

Mexican folk culture region along the Mexican folk culture region along the southern border of Texassouthern border of Texas– Still widely practiced by Still widely practiced by curanderos, curanderos, or or

“curers”“curers”– Over four hundred medicines derived Over four hundred medicines derived

from wild and domestic plantsfrom wild and domestic plants– Perpetuates a tradition rooted in Perpetuates a tradition rooted in

sixteenth century Indian and Spanish sixteenth century Indian and Spanish sourcesource

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Folk medicineFolk medicine Local folk medicine along the Texas southern Local folk medicine along the Texas southern

border is based on the belief health and welfare border is based on the belief health and welfare depend on harmony between natural and depend on harmony between natural and supernaturalsupernatural– Disease and misfortune thought to involve some Disease and misfortune thought to involve some

disharmonydisharmony– The curandero strives to restore harmony by use of The curandero strives to restore harmony by use of

counseling and botanical medicinescounseling and botanical medicines– In recent years fewer people have sought herbal In recent years fewer people have sought herbal

remedies for infections, sprains, or broken bonesremedies for infections, sprains, or broken bones– Curanderos now treat more cancer, diabetes, and Curanderos now treat more cancer, diabetes, and

hypertension than beforehypertension than before– In response to change, some curanderos have become In response to change, some curanderos have become

virtual paramedics and employ antibiotics in some curesvirtual paramedics and employ antibiotics in some cures

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FFolk Medicine in Zimbabwolk Medicine in Zimbabwee

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Folk Medicine in ZimbabweFolk Medicine in Zimbabwe Traditional healers in Traditional healers in

Africa use an array of Africa use an array of environmental environmental products for rituals products for rituals and curatives. Various and curatives. Various roots, seeds, and roots, seeds, and horns, as well as skins horns, as well as skins from endangered from endangered animals can be seen in animals can be seen in this healer’s hut.this healer’s hut.

In African culture, In African culture, traditional medical traditional medical practitioners are practitioners are considered influential considered influential spiritual leaders.spiritual leaders.

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Folk Medicine in ZimbabweFolk Medicine in Zimbabwe

Some base their Some base their reputation on reputation on knowledge of biotica, knowledge of biotica, some claim some claim supernatural diagnostic supernatural diagnostic and healing powers, and and healing powers, and others are witch doctors others are witch doctors able to intercept or able to intercept or exorcise evil spirits.exorcise evil spirits.

All use plant and animal All use plant and animal materials in their word.materials in their word.

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Environmental perceptionEnvironmental perception

When folk culture groups, or individuals, When folk culture groups, or individuals, migrate they seek environments similar migrate they seek environments similar to their own homelandsto their own homelands

They function best in similar They function best in similar environments because the lore of the environments because the lore of the land passed down relates to one land passed down relates to one particular ecosystemparticular ecosystem

Overpopulation or other “push’ factors Overpopulation or other “push’ factors cause folk groups to migratecause folk groups to migrate

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Environmental perceptionEnvironmental perception

Migration of Upland Southerners from Migration of Upland Southerners from Appalachia between 1830 and 1930Appalachia between 1830 and 1930– Moved as Appalachians filled upMoved as Appalachians filled up– Normally moved in clan or extended-family Normally moved in clan or extended-family

groupsgroups– Initially found environmental twin of Initially found environmental twin of

Appalachians in the Ozark-Ouachita Mountains of Appalachians in the Ozark-Ouachita Mountains of Missouri and ArkansasMissouri and Arkansas

– Later, others sought out hollows, coves, and Later, others sought out hollows, coves, and gaps of the central Texas Hill Countrygaps of the central Texas Hill Country

– Between 1880 and 1930 some 15,000 migrated Between 1880 and 1930 some 15,000 migrated to the Cascade and coastal mountain ranges of to the Cascade and coastal mountain ranges of Washington StateWashington State

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Environmental perceptionEnvironmental perception

People so close to nature remain People so close to nature remain sensitive to subtle environmental sensitive to subtle environmental qualitiesqualities

““Planting by the signs,” is still found Planting by the signs,” is still found among folk farmers in the United among folk farmers in the United States and elsewhereStates and elsewhere

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Environmental perceptionEnvironmental perception Folk groups are much more observant of Folk groups are much more observant of

their ecosystems than those in popular their ecosystems than those in popular cultureculture– Folk groups strive for harmony with nature, Folk groups strive for harmony with nature,

though they do not always achieve itthough they do not always achieve it– Often ascribe animistic religious sanctity to Often ascribe animistic religious sanctity to

environmental forces and particular parts of environmental forces and particular parts of their habitattheir habitat

Many people today lament the loss of a Many people today lament the loss of a closeness to naturecloseness to nature

Once the closeness of nature is lost, it is Once the closeness of nature is lost, it is impossible to regain because it was the impossible to regain because it was the product of centuries of trial and errorproduct of centuries of trial and error

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Culture RegionsCulture Regions

Folk Culture RegionsFolk Culture Regions Folk Cultural DiffusionFolk Cultural Diffusion Folk EcologyFolk Ecology Cultural Integration in Folk Cultural Integration in Folk

GeographyGeography Folk LandscapesFolk Landscapes

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Cultural integration in folk Cultural integration in folk geography geography

Interaction between folk and popular Interaction between folk and popular culturescultures– Few folk groups escape some interaction Few folk groups escape some interaction

with the larger worldwith the larger world– A lively exchange is constantly on-going A lively exchange is constantly on-going

between folk and popular culturesbetween folk and popular cultures– Most commonly, the folk absorb ideas Most commonly, the folk absorb ideas

filtering down from popular culturefiltering down from popular culture

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Cuzco, PeruCuzco, Peru

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Cuzco, PeruCuzco, Peru

Cuzco, an Inca Cuzco, an Inca capital, is a major capital, is a major tourist destinations. tourist destinations. Here, llama wool Here, llama wool sweaters, ponchos, sweaters, ponchos, and rugs are and rugs are displayed for the displayed for the tourist trade. tourist trade. Woven on hand-Woven on hand-looms, they have looms, they have natural woolnatural wool

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Cuzco, PeruCuzco, Peru

colors or are colored colors or are colored with mineral or with mineral or vegetable dyes. vegetable dyes.

Similar products are Similar products are also produced by also produced by factory machines factory machines using chemical dyes using chemical dyes for trendy colors for for trendy colors for appeal to mass appeal to mass market.market.

Page 81: Folk Geography

Cultural integration in folk Cultural integration in folk geography geography

Interaction between folk and popular Interaction between folk and popular culturescultures– Occasionally elements of folk culture penetrate Occasionally elements of folk culture penetrate

the popular societythe popular society– Folk handicrafts and arts often fetch high Folk handicrafts and arts often fetch high

prices among city dwellersprices among city dwellers They may exhibit quality, attention to detail, and They may exhibit quality, attention to detail, and

uniqueness absent in factory-made goodsuniqueness absent in factory-made goods Some folk goods are revised to make them more Some folk goods are revised to make them more

marketablemarketable Popular folk items include-Irish fisherman sweaters, Popular folk items include-Irish fisherman sweaters,

Shaker furniture, and Panamanian Indian molasShaker furniture, and Panamanian Indian molas

Page 82: Folk Geography

Mountain moonshine Mountain moonshine Home manufacture of corn whiskey in the Home manufacture of corn whiskey in the

Upland South has been going on since the Upland South has been going on since the early pioneering days of the 1700searly pioneering days of the 1700s

Probably diffused to America with the Probably diffused to America with the pioneering Scotch-Irishpioneering Scotch-Irish

The word The word whisky whisky has a Celtic origin, has a Celtic origin, probably from the Scottish Gaelic probably from the Scottish Gaelic uisge uisge beatha beatha (“water of life”)(“water of life”)

Home manufacture of whisky has occurred Home manufacture of whisky has occurred in many Appalachian hill settlements for in many Appalachian hill settlements for 200 years200 years

Page 83: Folk Geography
Page 84: Folk Geography

Mountain moonshine Mountain moonshine

Whiskey making withstood the Whiskey making withstood the prohibitionist attitudes of the prohibitionist attitudes of the nineteenth century religious revivalnineteenth century religious revival– Many mountaineers are devout Baptists Many mountaineers are devout Baptists

or Methodists, but defied antiliquor or Methodists, but defied antiliquor teachingsteachings

– Many mountain people proved very Many mountain people proved very willing to vote their areas legally “dry”willing to vote their areas legally “dry”

– Corn whiskey is very persistent in the folk Corn whiskey is very persistent in the folk dietdiet

Page 85: Folk Geography

Mountain moonshine Mountain moonshine

Traditionally corn liquor was intended Traditionally corn liquor was intended mainly for family consumptionmainly for family consumption

Over the years, Appalachian Over the years, Appalachian moonshine began to find its way to moonshine began to find its way to marketmarket– Proved the best way for hill folk to Proved the best way for hill folk to

participate in the money economyparticipate in the money economy– Converted a bulky grain crop of low cash Converted a bulky grain crop of low cash

value in a compact beverage of high value value in a compact beverage of high value per unit of weightper unit of weight

Page 86: Folk Geography

Mountain moonshine Mountain moonshine

Early as 1791, the U.S. federal government Early as 1791, the U.S. federal government began taxing manufacturers of whiskeybegan taxing manufacturers of whiskey– From the beginning, mountaineers found ways to From the beginning, mountaineers found ways to

avoid the taxavoid the tax– Stills lay concealed in remote coves and hollows Stills lay concealed in remote coves and hollows

to escape detectionto escape detection– When stills were discovered and destroyed, new When stills were discovered and destroyed, new

ones in different locations replaced themones in different locations replaced them– Revenuers were no more successful in stopping Revenuers were no more successful in stopping

whisky making than the churches had beenwhisky making than the churches had been

Page 87: Folk Geography
Page 88: Folk Geography

Mountain moonshine Mountain moonshine

The important effect was mountain folk The important effect was mountain folk accepted markets offered by popular culture accepted markets offered by popular culture but rejected its legal and political institutionsbut rejected its legal and political institutions

By the 1950s, some 25,000 gallons of white By the 1950s, some 25,000 gallons of white lightning reached the market each week from lightning reached the market each week from the counties of eastern Tennessee alonethe counties of eastern Tennessee alone– In spite of numerous raids by federal authorities, In spite of numerous raids by federal authorities,

production continued unabatedproduction continued unabated– Today, a substantial amount of illicit whisky still Today, a substantial amount of illicit whisky still

reaches markets from southern Appalachiareaches markets from southern Appalachia

Page 89: Folk Geography

Mountain moonshine Mountain moonshine Whiskey production, legal and illegal, in Kentucky Whiskey production, legal and illegal, in Kentucky

and Tennessee represents an impressive survival and Tennessee represents an impressive survival of folk industry to serve a market in popular of folk industry to serve a market in popular societysociety

Illegal whisky production and popular culture Illegal whisky production and popular culture integration led to the creation of the “folk integration led to the creation of the “folk automobile”automobile”– A fast vehicle needed to outrun the law, but humble in A fast vehicle needed to outrun the law, but humble in

appearanceappearance– Some have claimed these vehicles were the forerunners Some have claimed these vehicles were the forerunners

of the basic American stock carof the basic American stock car– Stock-car racing then is considered another result of Stock-car racing then is considered another result of

interplay between folk and popular culturesinterplay between folk and popular cultures

Page 90: Folk Geography
Page 91: Folk Geography

Country and Western musicCountry and Western music

Upland Southern folk music had a very Upland Southern folk music had a very impressive impact upon American popular impressive impact upon American popular cultureculture

Derived to a great degree, from folk ballads Derived to a great degree, from folk ballads of English and Scotch-Irish, who settled in of English and Scotch-Irish, who settled in the upland-South in colonial timesthe upland-South in colonial times– Some have hypothesized use of the fiddle (violin) Some have hypothesized use of the fiddle (violin)

is an effort to recapture sounds of the Celtic is an effort to recapture sounds of the Celtic Scottish bagpipeScottish bagpipe

– Gradually, Upland Southern folk music absorbed Gradually, Upland Southern folk music absorbed influences of the American social experienceinfluences of the American social experience

Page 92: Folk Geography

Country and Western musicCountry and Western music Derived to a great degree, from folk Derived to a great degree, from folk

ballads of English and Scotch-Irish, who ballads of English and Scotch-Irish, who settled in the upland-South in colonial settled in the upland-South in colonial timestimes– Became a composite of Old World and New Became a composite of Old World and New

World folk traditionsWorld folk traditions– Long remained confined to the traditional Long remained confined to the traditional

society that developed itsociety that developed it– Dealt with themes such as love and hate, Dealt with themes such as love and hate,

happiness and sorrow, comedy and tragedyhappiness and sorrow, comedy and tragedy– Gave expression to a unique life-style and a Gave expression to a unique life-style and a

particular landparticular land

Page 93: Folk Geography

Country and Western musicCountry and Western music

Entry of country music into popular culture Entry of country music into popular culture began about the time of World War Ibegan about the time of World War I– Diffusion was facilitated by the invention of the Diffusion was facilitated by the invention of the

radioradio– Popularization brought changesPopularization brought changes– Small number of songs in folk culture exploded Small number of songs in folk culture exploded

with the popular culturewith the popular culture– Electrical amplification needed in crowded Electrical amplification needed in crowded

noisy night spots produced a curious mixture noisy night spots produced a curious mixture with the use of the electric guitarwith the use of the electric guitar

– Themes of lyrics increasingly addressed life in Themes of lyrics increasingly addressed life in the popular culturethe popular culture

Page 94: Folk Geography

Country and Western musicCountry and Western music

Bluegrass, Bluegrass, one of the many styles of one of the many styles of country music, emerged in the 1930scountry music, emerged in the 1930s– Developed by Bill MonroeDeveloped by Bill Monroe– Unique sound is achieved by the joining of a Unique sound is achieved by the joining of a

lead banjo with fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and lead banjo with fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and string bassstring bass

– Using only electric instruments keep it faithful Using only electric instruments keep it faithful to its originsto its origins

– High-pitched, emotional vocal sound clearly High-pitched, emotional vocal sound clearly reveals derivation from Scottish church singingreveals derivation from Scottish church singing

Page 95: Folk Geography

Country and Western musicCountry and Western music

Bluegrass, Bluegrass, one of the many styles of one of the many styles of country music, emerged in the 1930scountry music, emerged in the 1930s

Acceptance remains greatest in its Upland Acceptance remains greatest in its Upland Southern core area in Kentucky, Tennessee, Southern core area in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and North CarolinaVirginia, and North Carolina

Most performers come from this core areaMost performers come from this core areaMusic retains strong identification with Music retains strong identification with

Appalachian placesAppalachian places

Page 96: Folk Geography
Page 97: Folk Geography

Country and Western musicCountry and Western music

Impact of migration of Upland Impact of migration of Upland Southern folk on bluegrass musicSouthern folk on bluegrass music– Migrated to Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Migrated to Missouri, Arkansas, Texas,

and Oklahoma plus the Depression era and Oklahoma plus the Depression era movement of “Okies” and “Arkies” to movement of “Okies” and “Arkies” to the Central Valley of Californiathe Central Valley of California

– Provided natural areas for bluegrass Provided natural areas for bluegrass expansion in the mid-twentieth century expansion in the mid-twentieth century

Page 98: Folk Geography

Culture RegionsCulture Regions

Folk Culture RegionsFolk Culture Regions Folk Cultural DiffusionFolk Cultural Diffusion Folk EcologyFolk Ecology Cultural Integration in Folk Cultural Integration in Folk

GeographyGeography Folk LandscapesFolk Landscapes

Page 99: Folk Geography

Folk landscapes Folk landscapes

Folk architecture Folk architecture most visible aspect of most visible aspect of the landscapethe landscape– Comes from the memory of traditional Comes from the memory of traditional

peoplepeople– Built on mental images that change little Built on mental images that change little

from one generation to the nextfrom one generation to the next– Folk buildings are extensions of a people Folk buildings are extensions of a people

and their regionand their regionProvide the unique character of each district or Provide the unique character of each district or

provinceprovinceOffer a highly visible aspect of the human Offer a highly visible aspect of the human

mosaicmosaic

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Page 101: Folk Geography

Folk Architecture: Folk Architecture: Maasai House, KenyaMaasai House, Kenya

The Maasai are pastoralists The Maasai are pastoralists who bring their cattle into who bring their cattle into their circular housing their circular housing compounds (compounds (engangsengangs or or manyattasmanyattas) at night. ) at night. Maasai bomas (houses) are Maasai bomas (houses) are built by women. built by women.

Latticed frames are Latticed frames are constructed with termite, constructed with termite, ant and beetle resistant ant and beetle resistant wood poles, insulated with wood poles, insulated with packed leaves, and packed leaves, and covered with cattle dung covered with cattle dung readily available in the readily available in the engangengang..

Page 102: Folk Geography

Folk Architecture: Folk Architecture: Maasai House, KenyaMaasai House, Kenya

A snail-shell entry A snail-shell entry inhibits entry of human inhibits entry of human or animal intruders.or animal intruders.

Lattice sleeping Lattice sleeping platforms covered with platforms covered with cowhide are attached cowhide are attached to internal walls. There to internal walls. There are no windows, only are no windows, only vents for the central vents for the central fire. Insect damage fire. Insect damage and leakage call for and leakage call for ongoing maintenance. ongoing maintenance. Using plastic sheeting Using plastic sheeting as a roof cover is a as a roof cover is a modern luxury few can modern luxury few can afford.afford.

Page 103: Folk Geography

Folk landscapes Folk landscapes

Seek in folk architecture the Seek in folk architecture the traditional, the conservative, and the traditional, the conservative, and the functionalfunctional

Expect from it a simple beautyExpect from it a simple beauty– Harmony with the physical environmentHarmony with the physical environment– A visible expression of folk culture A visible expression of folk culture

Page 104: Folk Geography

Building materialsBuilding materials

One way we classify folk houses and One way we classify folk houses and farmsteads is by the type of building farmsteads is by the type of building materials usedmaterials used

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Page 106: Folk Geography

Building materialsBuilding materials

Structures tend to blend nicely with Structures tend to blend nicely with the natural landscapethe natural landscape

Farm dwellings range from: massive Farm dwellings range from: massive houses of stone for permanency, to houses of stone for permanency, to temporary brush thatch hutstemporary brush thatch huts

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Building materialsBuilding materials

Environmental conditions influence Environmental conditions influence choice of construction materials)choice of construction materials)– ClimateClimate– VegetationVegetation– GeomorphologyGeomorphology

Shifting cultivators of tropical rain Shifting cultivators of tropical rain forests build houses of poles and forests build houses of poles and leavesleaves

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Building materialsBuilding materials

Sedentary subsistence farming peoples of Sedentary subsistence farming peoples of adjacent highlands, oases, and river valleys adjacent highlands, oases, and river valleys of the Old World zoneof the Old World zone– Rely principally on earthen constructionRely principally on earthen construction– Sun-dried (adobe) bricksSun-dried (adobe) bricks– Pounded earthPounded earth– In more prosperous regions, kiln-baked bricks In more prosperous regions, kiln-baked bricks

are availableare available People in the tropical grasslands, especially People in the tropical grasslands, especially

in Africa, construct thatched houses from in Africa, construct thatched houses from coarse grasses and thorn bushescoarse grasses and thorn bushes

Page 113: Folk Geography

Building materialsBuilding materials

Buildings of Mediterranean farmers Buildings of Mediterranean farmers and some rural residents of interior and some rural residents of interior Indian and the Andean highlandsIndian and the Andean highlands– Most live in rocky, deforested landsMost live in rocky, deforested lands– Use stone as principal building materialUse stone as principal building material– Create entire landscapes of stoneCreate entire landscapes of stone

Walls, roofs, terraces, streets, and fencesWalls, roofs, terraces, streets, and fencesLends an air of permanence to the Lends an air of permanence to the

landscapelandscape

Page 114: Folk Geography

ChinaChina

Page 115: Folk Geography

Folk architecture: ChinaFolk architecture: China The Kazak practice The Kazak practice

transhumance, transhumance, spending the summer spending the summer with their horses, with their horses, goats, sheep and cattle goats, sheep and cattle in high pastures of the in high pastures of the Tien Shan (Heavenly Tien Shan (Heavenly Mountains) of Mountains) of northwestern China.northwestern China.

These yurts have These yurts have wooden trellis walls wooden trellis walls and are covered with and are covered with felt which is pressed felt which is pressed animal hair.animal hair.

Page 116: Folk Geography

Folk architecture: ChinaFolk architecture: China

The top flap can be The top flap can be opened to vent a opened to vent a central fire or central fire or closed to keep out closed to keep out rain.rain.

As winter As winter approaches, the approaches, the yurt is dismantled yurt is dismantled and carried by pack and carried by pack animals to lower animals to lower elevations. elevations.

Page 117: Folk Geography

Folk architecture: ChinaFolk architecture: China

Many Kazak now Many Kazak now winter in Chinese winter in Chinese style, mud-brick, style, mud-brick, sod-roofed houses.sod-roofed houses.

Yurts are Yurts are experiencing experiencing technological technological change as wood change as wood gives way to plastic gives way to plastic and felt to canvas.and felt to canvas.

Page 118: Folk Geography

Building materialsBuilding materials

Housing in the middle and higher Housing in the middle and higher latitudeslatitudes– Houses made of wood where timber is Houses made of wood where timber is

abundantabundant– In the United States, log cabins and later In the United States, log cabins and later

frame housesframe houses– Folk houses of northern Europe and in Folk houses of northern Europe and in

the mountains of eastern Australia are the mountains of eastern Australia are made of woodmade of wood

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Building materialsBuilding materials

Housing in the middle and higher latitudesHousing in the middle and higher latitudes– In some deforested regions — Central Europe In some deforested regions — Central Europe

and parts of Chinaand parts of China Farmers built half-timbered housesFarmers built half-timbered houses Framework of hardwood beams with fill in the Framework of hardwood beams with fill in the

interstices of some other materialinterstices of some other material

– Sod or turf houses typify prairie and tundra Sod or turf houses typify prairie and tundra areasareas

Russian steppesRussian steppes In pioneer times, the American Great PlainsIn pioneer times, the American Great Plains

– Nomadic herders often live in portable tents Nomadic herders often live in portable tents made of skins or woolmade of skins or wool

Page 122: Folk Geography

Floor planFloor plan

Unit farmstead Unit farmstead – Single structure where family, farm Single structure where family, farm

animals, and storage facilities share animals, and storage facilities share spacespace

– In simplest form is one storied — People In simplest form is one storied — People and animals occupy different ends of and animals occupy different ends of structurestructure

– More complex ones are multi-storied More complex ones are multi-storied arranged so people and livestock live on arranged so people and livestock live on different levelsdifferent levels

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Floor planFloor plan

Communal unit housing common Communal unit housing common among some shifting cultivatorsamong some shifting cultivators– Multiple families live under the same Multiple families live under the same

roofroof– Sleeping and cooking done in separate Sleeping and cooking done in separate

alcovesalcoves– Living space is sharedLiving space is shared

Page 126: Folk Geography

Floor planFloor plan

Communal unit housing common Communal unit housing common among some shifting cultivatorsamong some shifting cultivators– Example — the Sarawak Example — the Sarawak longhouse longhouse

found on the Malaysian portion of the found on the Malaysian portion of the island of Borneoisland of BorneoAccommodates between Accommodates between 5 5 and 8 nuclear and 8 nuclear

familiesfamiliesAn elongated dwellingAn elongated dwellingRaised above forest floor on stiltsRaised above forest floor on stiltsReflect a clan or tribal social organizationReflect a clan or tribal social organization

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Folk Architecture: Manali, IndiaFolk Architecture: Manali, India

Page 128: Folk Geography

Folk Architecture: Manali, IndiaFolk Architecture: Manali, India

This house has This house has been constructed been constructed by the Kullu people by the Kullu people who live in the who live in the lower Himalayas of lower Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh. This is a steeply This is a steeply sloped, rocky and sloped, rocky and forested area and forested area and people make the people make the best use of local best use of local materials.materials.

Page 129: Folk Geography

Folk Architecture: Manali, IndiaFolk Architecture: Manali, India

Noted for their Noted for their woodwork, the Kulli woodwork, the Kulli carve and paint religious carve and paint religious and tribal designs to and tribal designs to propitiate the gods and propitiate the gods and ward off evilward off evil

The substantial stone The substantial stone roof will support a heavy roof will support a heavy winter snowfall.winter snowfall.

Fodder and cattle are Fodder and cattle are kept below the living kept below the living quarters.quarters.

Page 130: Folk Geography

Floor planFloor plan Most common are farmsteads where the house, Most common are farmsteads where the house,

barn, and stalls occupy separate buildingsbarn, and stalls occupy separate buildings Example of the Example of the courtyard farmstead courtyard farmstead

– Various structures clustered around an enclosed yardVarious structures clustered around an enclosed yard– Appears in several seemingly unrelated culture Appears in several seemingly unrelated culture

regionsregions– Found in Inca-settled portions of Andes MountainsFound in Inca-settled portions of Andes Mountains– Also found in the hills of central Germany, and eastern Also found in the hills of central Germany, and eastern

ChinaChina– Have wide distribution — offer privacy and protectionHave wide distribution — offer privacy and protection

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Floor planFloor plan

Strewn farmstead Strewn farmstead prevails in countries prevails in countries where Germanic Europeans immigrated where Germanic Europeans immigrated and settledand settled– Anglo-America, Australia, and New ZealandAnglo-America, Australia, and New Zealand– Buildings lie spaced apart each other in no Buildings lie spaced apart each other in no

consistent patternconsistent pattern– Especially common in zones of wooden Especially common in zones of wooden

construction where fire is a hazardconstruction where fire is a hazard– Poorly suited for defensePoorly suited for defense– Often associated with rural regions of more Often associated with rural regions of more

than average tranquilitythan average tranquility

Page 135: Folk Geography

Irish folk housesIrish folk houses

Other characteristics that help classify Other characteristics that help classify farmsteads and dwellingsfarmsteads and dwellings– Form or shape of roofForm or shape of roof– Placement of chimneyPlacement of chimney– Details such as number and location of doors Details such as number and location of doors

and windowsand windows Estyn EvensEstyn Evens

– Used roof form and chimney placement, among Used roof form and chimney placement, among other traits, in classifying Irish housesother traits, in classifying Irish houses

– Determined three major folk-housing culture Determined three major folk-housing culture regionsregions

Page 136: Folk Geography

Irish folk housesIrish folk houses

If floor plan and material composition If floor plan and material composition had been included, more regions had been included, more regions would have been identifiedwould have been identified

Other features such as the bed Other features such as the bed outshot of far north Ireland, mud wall outshot of far north Ireland, mud wall constructions of interior counties, constructions of interior counties, and off-center door found in several and off-center door found in several districts districts

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Page 138: Folk Geography

Folk housing in North AmericaFolk housing in North America

Few folk houses are being built todayFew folk houses are being built today Popular culture with its mass-Popular culture with its mass-

produced, commercially built houses produced, commercially built houses has overwhelmed folk traditionshas overwhelmed folk traditions

Many folk houses survive in refuge Many folk houses survive in refuge regions regions

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Folk housing in North AmericaFolk housing in North America

Yankee or New England folk housesYankee or New England folk houses– Wooden frame constructionWooden frame construction– Shingle siding often covers exterior wallsShingle siding often covers exterior walls– Have a variety of floor plansHave a variety of floor plans– New England large house — huge two-and-a-New England large house — huge two-and-a-

half stories, built around a central chimney and half stories, built around a central chimney and two rooms deeptwo rooms deep

– As Yankee folk moved west, they developed As Yankee folk moved west, they developed the the upright and upright and wing dwellingwing dwelling

– Houses are often massive because of cold Houses are often massive because of cold winterswinters

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Folk housing in North AmericaFolk housing in North America

Upland Southern folk housesUpland Southern folk houses– Smaller and built of notched logs—Smaller and built of notched logs—

colonial Scandinavian settler techniquecolonial Scandinavian settler technique– Saddlebag Saddlebag house--two log rooms house--two log rooms

separated by a double fireplace separated by a double fireplace

Page 144: Folk Geography
Page 145: Folk Geography

Folk housing in North AmericaFolk housing in North America

Upland Southern folk housesUpland Southern folk houses– Dogtrot Dogtrot house-two log rooms separated house-two log rooms separated

by an open roofed breezewayby an open roofed breezeway– Shotgun house-African-American, one Shotgun house-African-American, one

room wide, but two to four rooms m room wide, but two to four rooms m depthdepth

– Creole cottage-half-timbered with a Creole cottage-half-timbered with a central chimney and built-in porch, central chimney and built-in porch, found in Acadiana, a French-derived folk found in Acadiana, a French-derived folk region in Louisianaregion in Louisiana

Page 146: Folk Geography

Folk housing in North AmericaFolk housing in North America

Canadian folk houses Canadian folk houses – House type found in French speaking House type found in French speaking

QuebecQuebecMain story atop a cellar, attic rooms beneath Main story atop a cellar, attic rooms beneath

a curved, bell-shaped roofa curved, bell-shaped roofBalcony-porch with railing extends across the Balcony-porch with railing extends across the

front, which is sheltered by overhanging front, which is sheltered by overhanging eaveseaves

Summer kitchen sealed off during the long Summer kitchen sealed off during the long cold winterscold winters

Houses often built of stoneHouses often built of stone

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Folk housing in North AmericaFolk housing in North America Ontario Ontario farmhouse—occurs frequently in farmhouse—occurs frequently in

the Upper Canadian folk regionthe Upper Canadian folk region– One-and-a-half stories tall, usually built of brickOne-and-a-half stories tall, usually built of brick– Has distinctive gabled front dormer windowHas distinctive gabled front dormer window

Interpretation of folk architecture is not a Interpretation of folk architecture is not a simple processsimple process– Problem of independent invention versus Problem of independent invention versus

diffusion is raised repeatedlydiffusion is raised repeatedly– Folk cultures rarely leave behind many written Folk cultures rarely leave behind many written

records, making landscape artifacts all the records, making landscape artifacts all the more importantmore important

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