People live in a world surrounded by stuff. Yet few of us are taught to understand it or to think very deeply about it at all. "Material Culture" refers to the objects and artifacts that populate our environment that we can see and feel. It is through these objects and images of objects that people learn about and integrate themselves into the human community. Understanding Material Culture is an introduction to Material Literacy--the skill of being able to read and interpret material culture. It is a primer for understanding objects as the evidence of our way of life. The book explains the major theories, issues, and diverse viewpoints and practices of the field of material culture, and demonstrates how to use them through historical examples pulled from the vast collections of the Smithsonian. Perfect for students of history or museum studies, Understanding Material Culture is also helpful for anyone who's ever wondered what their stuff says about them.