Kroeber's Theory of Culture Areas and the Ethnology of Northwestern California

Abstract

A. L. Kroeber developed his concept ofthe culture area in response both to Boas's work and to his own field experience in California. Examination of his areal approach illuminates Kroeber's general theory of culture as well as some ofhis eventual differences with Boas. Moving awayfrom the scientific effort of causal explanation in favor of historical understanding, Kroeber held a teleological view of history that reflected both a progressivist spirit and moral certainty. Ultimately, whatever the merits of his areal theory, the facts of cultural diversity in northwestern California do not support it, and the cataclysmic nature ofcontact history there makes his moral optimism difficult to sustain. [Kroeber, culture areas, California Indians, history of anthropology]