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1 Introduction: Inalienability, Value, and the Construction of Social Difference
Author(s) -
Kovacevich Brigitte,
Callaghan Michael G.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
archeological papers of the american anthropological association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.783
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1551-8248
pISSN - 1551-823X
DOI - 10.1111/apaa.12012
Subject(s) - construct (python library) , value (mathematics) , identity (music) , sociology , epistemology , social group , social identity theory , anthropology , social science , aesthetics , philosophy , computer science , machine learning , programming language
Annette Weiner's concept of “inalienable wealth” is a powerful theoretical construct that can help archaeologists understand how artifacts gained value, were used to foster group identity, and created social difference. In this chapter we first review the concept of inalienable wealth as conceptualized by Weiner for use in understanding cultural practices of contemporary societies in Melanesia. We then discuss why inalienable wealth holds potential for archaeological datasets, how archaeologists have used it in the recent past, and how contributors to this volume employ the concept.