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Term coined by [[Sir Julian Sorell Huxley]], used together with the related terms "[[sociofact]]" and "[[Cultural artifact|artifact]]" to describe how cultural traits take on a life of their own, spanning over generations. This idea is related to [[memetics]].

[[Image:lighterstill.jpg]][[Image:Linguapaxmentifact.jpg|right|frame]]

The anthropologist Leslie White (1900-1975) suggested that for [[analytical]] [[purposes]], a [[culture]] could be viewed as a three-part [[structure]] composed of sub[[systems]] that he termed [[ideological]], [[technological]], and [[sociological]]. In a similar classification, the [[biologist]][[ Julian Huxley]] (18871975) identified three components of [[culture]]: '''mentifacts''', artifacts, and sociofacts. Together, according to these interpretations, the subsystems-identified by their separate components-comprise the system of culture as a whole. But they are integrated; each reacts on the others and is affected by them in turn.

*''Mentifacts'': The [[ideological]] subsystem consists of [[ideas]], [[beliefs]], and [[knowledge]] of a culture and of the ways in which these things are expressed in [[speech]] or other forms of [[communication]]. [[Mythologies]] and [[theologies]], legend, [[literature]], [[philosophy]], and folk [[wisdom]] make up this category. Passed on from generation to generation, these abstract belief systems, or mentifacts, tell us what we ought to believe, what we should [[value]], and how we ought to act. Beliefs form the basis of the socialization [[process]] . Often we know-or [[think]] we know-what the beliefs of a [[group]] are from their [[oral]] or written statements. Sometimes, however, we must depend on the actions or objectives of a group to tell us what its true ideas and values are. "Actions speak louder than words" and "Do as I say not as I do" are commonplace recognitions of the fact that actions, values, and words do not always coincide. . .

Mentifacts represent the ideas and beliefs of a culture, for example religion, language or law.

Mentifacts are the ideas, values and beliefs of a culture. Religion has shaped culture more than any other trait in the history of the world. The ancient Aztecs sacrificed hundreds of thousands of people for their religion; Sunday is considered a day of rest in most Christian cultures. Language is also an important mentifact. Languages adapt to suit a particular culture. Eskimos lives are dominated by living primarily in the snow and ice. Their language has over fifty words to describe different types of snow. English-speakers would be at a loss to describe all of the types of snow in the English language since snow isn't considered an important part of the culture.

*''[[Artifacts]]'': The technological subsystem is composed of the [[material]] objects, together with the techniques of their use, by means of which people are able to live. Such objects are the tools and other instruments that enable us to feed, clothe, house, defend, transport, and amuse ourselves. We must have [[food]], we must be protected from the elements, and we must be able to defend ourselves. Huxley termed the material objects we use to fill these basic needs artifacts. . .

[[Category: General Reference]]

[[Category: General Reference]]