The Material Culture of the Bible An Introduction

includes index and biblioraphy

Chapter 1 CULTURE AND INTERPRETATION 23 1. Formulating Hypotheses on the Authors` Intention,or Identifying Relevant Intertexts 24 2. The Necessity of Cultural Information for Synchronic Interpretation 33 3. The Validation of Interpretation and Cultural Information 39 4. Looking for Discriminatory Indicators in Interpretation 47 5. Self-Awareness and Cultural Information 48 6. `Biblical`Culture 50 Chapter 2 WHAT Do WE MEAN BY `CULTURE` ? 78 1. Renewed Interest in Culture 79 2. Anthropological Approaches to the Study of Culture 82 3. Choosing a Model for the Study of Biblical Literature 94 4. Pitfalls in the Study of Culture 96 Chapter 3 CULTURE, LANGUAGE AND MEANING 102 1. Cultural Domains, Function and Meaning 102 2. Language and Meaning 105 3. Custom and Meaning 116 Chapter 4 ENVIRONMENT AND MEANING 118 1. Heavenly Bodies 119 2. Natural Forces and Climate 3. Water Sources 4. Fauna 5. Flora Chapter 5 ECONOMY AND MEANING 1. Property 2. Labour 3. Distribution 4. Consumption 5. Conclusion Chapter 6 TECHNOLOGY AND MEANING 1. Agricultural Technology 2. The Technology of Subsistence 3. Architectural Technology 4. Mining Technology 5. Manufacturing Technology 6. The Technology of War 7. The Technology of Measurement 8. The Technology of Writing 9. Conclusion Chapter 7 SOCIAL ORGANIZATION AND MEANING 1. Collective Goals 2. Mechanisms for Achieving Goals 3. Organizational Units and Strategies 4. Status Groups, Social Roles and Symbols Chapter 8 POLITICAL ORGANIZATION AND MEANING 1. Tribal Authorities 2. Chiefdoms 3. States Chapter 9 SOCIAL CONTROL AND MEANING