Inferences from the shape of dwellings

Whiting, John W.M.; Ayres, Barbara

Inferences from the shape of dwellings

Settlement Archaeology • National Press Books • Palo Alto • Published In 1968 • Pages: 117-133 •

By Whiting, John W.M., Ayres, Barbara

Abstract

This study examines several correlates of the shape of floor plans of dwellings. Authors find that "whether a culture is settled or nomadic, the form of its family and the presence or absence of status distinctions are related to its house type, and the house types can in turn be inferred from the floor plan." Curvilinear houses are associated with polygyny and nomadism and rectilinear houses are associated with sedentarism, extended families, and status distinctions.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
Other	Other Researchers
Ethnographic Reports
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)

Hypotheses (5)
Hypothesis	Supported
"Polygynous form of marriage can be predicted from a curvilinear floor plan" (130)	Supported
". . . that an abstract preference for curvilinearity or rectilinearity may be manifested both in dwelling shape and in decorative art" (128)	Supported
"Thus, curvilinear houses might predict nomadism only in forest and parkland areas, where both types of building materials are available" (125)	Not Supported
"Given a rectilinear house of any size or type, one can be reasonably certain that the society is sedentary" (126)	Supported
". . . societies with multiple-roomed dwellings usually have extended families, status distinctions, or both" (122)	Supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas Megan Farrer

Inferences from the shape of dwellings

Settlement Archaeology • National Press Books • Palo Alto • Published In 1968 • Pages: 117-133 • Cite

By Whiting, John W.M., Ayres, Barbara

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (5)

Settlement Archaeology • National Press Books • Palo Alto • Published In 1968 • Pages: 117-133 •