Alfred Kroeber

Alfred Kroeber was an influential American anthropologist in the early 20th century, renowned for his work on Native American cultures and his contributions to cultural anthropology. He emphasized understanding cultures as complex systems shaped by history and environment. Kroeber introduced concepts like "culture area" and was a pioneer in studying how cultures evolve and interact. He also played a crucial role in establishing anthropology as an academic discipline at the University of California, Berkeley. His notable works include "Handbook of the Indians of California," which documented indigenous cultures and languages, preserving vital aspects of their heritage.