Otis Tufton Mason

Here's a compilation of information about Otis Tufton Mason:

Life and Background:

• Born: April 10, 1838, Eastport, Maine, United States
• Died: November 5, 1908, Washington, D.C., United States
• Education: The George Washington University (details about his degree unknown)
• Family: Owned Woodlawn Plantation, formerly the home of George Washington's adopted daughter

Career and Achievements:

• Ethnologist: A specialist in the study of cultures, particularly material culture which focuses on objects and how they reflect a society's way of life.
• Smithsonian Institution Curator: Played a crucial role in developing the museum's anthropological collections.
• Culture Area Concept: Credited with developing the concept of culture areas, a way of grouping cultures based on shared geographical traits and cultural elements.
• Anthropological Editor: Served as the anthropological editor for the American Naturalist and the Standard Dictionary.
• Publications: Authored and edited various publications, some possible titles include:
  • American Indian Basketry (Two Volumes Bound as One)
  • North American Bows, Arrows, and Quivers: An Illustrated History
  • The Land Problem (Classic Reprint)
  • Migration and the food quest : a study in the peopling of America (Govt. Print. Off., 1896) (online resource about the book [invalid URL removed])

Academic Interests and Theories:

• Focus on American Indians: His research centered heavily on the cultures of American Indians, particularly their material culture.
• Evolutionary Theories: Influenced by the theories of Gustav Klemm, Mason believed cultures progressed through distinct stages, with technology being a marker of a culture's advancement.

Legacy:

• Pioneering Anthropologist: Regarded as a pioneer in the field of American anthropology, particularly in the study of material culture.
• Museum Development: His work at the Smithsonian Institution significantly contributed to the growth and organization of anthropological collections in museums.
• Culture Area Concept: The concept of culture areas continues to be a valuable framework for understanding cultural patterns and relationships.