KITCHEN MIDDEN Meaning and
Definition
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A kitchen midden is a term used in archaeology and anthropology to describe a type of archaeological site or feature that represents a disposal area or refuse pile of organic materials generated by human activity, particularly in a domestic setting such as a kitchen or living area. It is commonly known as a "garbage dump" or "trash heap."
The term "kitchen midden" derives from the Danish word "mødding," meaning "manure heap," as early interpretations of these features associated them with waste disposal areas located near farming activities. However, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of refuse deposits and is no longer limited to agricultural or manure-related contexts.
Kitchen middens can consist of a variety of discarded materials, including food waste, such as bones, shells, seeds, and plant matter, as well as discarded tools, pottery shards, and other household items. These archaeological deposits provide valuable insights into past human behavior, diet, subsistence strategies, and environmental conditions.
Through the analysis of kitchen middens, archaeologists can investigate various aspects of ancient cultures, including diet composition, resource utilization, technological advancements, trade networks, and even social and economic organization. The stratigraphic layering of these deposits also enables researchers to establish chronological sequences and track changes in human activities and land use patterns over time.
Overall, kitchen middens are essential archaeological resources that help reconstruct and understand the lifestyles and practices of past societies. They serve as windows into the material culture of ancient communities and provide vital clues for interpreting their history and cultural development.
Common Misspellings for KITCHEN MIDDEN
- jitchen midden
- litchen midden
- oitchen midden
- iitchen midden
- kutchen midden
- kjtchen midden
- kktchen midden
- kotchen midden
- k9tchen midden
- k8tchen midden
- kirchen midden
- kifchen midden
- kigchen midden
- kiychen midden
- ki6chen midden
- ki5chen midden
- kitxhen midden
- kitvhen midden
- kitfhen midden
- kitchenmidden
Etymology of KITCHEN MIDDEN
The word "kitchen midden" is derived from two separate sources.
The term "kitchen" originates from the Old English word "cycene" which referred to a place where culinary activities took place. It evolved into "kitchen" as we know it today.
The word "midden" comes from the Old Norse term "mykdyngja", which means a dunghill or refuse heap. It was adopted into Middle English as "middunge", and eventually transformed into "midden".
In archaeology, the term "kitchen midden" refers to a type of ancient waste disposal site or garbage dump. These middens typically contain discarded food remains, shells, bones, artifacts, and other debris from prehistoric human settlements.
Similar spelling word for KITCHEN MIDDEN
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