About 30 years ago *Notes and Queries* surveyed American
anthropologists to ask for their definitions of "culture." I would
like to follow up with an equally unscientific poll of HISTARCH
subscribers, and others, to gather a little "data" for an upcoming
SHA symposium. I would like to know if the culture concept is a
meaningful one to historical archaeologists today, including those
who studied within, and beyond, the U.S.-Boasian anthropology
tradition. So, here's my question:
 
Do you, as an historical archaeologist (or interested onlooker) use
the concept of culture to organize or inform your research and/or
interpretations? If "Yes," please give me a short definition of
culture (or, if you prefer, an extended essay! I'll be sure to cite
your response.). If "no," a simple "no" will do, unless you care to
elaborate. If you want to comment at some length about this, then
please feel free to post your answer to HISTARCH; otherwise, PLEASE
sned your answer directly to my e-mail address (below), so we don't
clog up the network with stuff nobody else wants to read. My address
is:[log in to unmask] Your help is much appreciated.
Dan Mouer