In message <[log in to unmask]>, Automatic digest processor
<[log in to unmask]> writes
>I believe Pat is talking about Ursula Leguin, who wrote a series of thought
>provoking tales using anthropological concepts with alien planets and races
>as the backdrop.
Yes, indeed.  I picked _Rocannon's World_ because it's a retelling of an
older story (I won't say where from, as that's a spoiler).  Suzette
Elgin has an even closer link to historical archaeology than being the
daughter of an anthropologist: she actually _is_ an anthropologist (of
the linguistic sub-species).

Elgin's work, naturally, focusses on language rather than material
culture (although she's got a great depiction of the role of material
culture in passive resistance).  Material culture is often overlooked at
any more sophisticated level than that of 'us' or 'them' poking
curiously at the shiny box with the flashy lights.

Best wishes to all

Pat

--
Pat Reynolds
[log in to unmask]
   "It might look a bit messy now, but just you come back in 500 years time"
   (T. Pratchett)