Material culture refers to the physical objects, tools, and traditions created by a society. In West Virginia, it is closely linked to agriculture and family farms. Until the late 1800s, most people lived off their farms, growing crops, raising livestock, and gathering wild foods. Farms were often self-sufficient, and people made their own food and clothes, like turning sheep wool into fabric.

Communities also worked together on big tasks, such as building homes, barns, and fences. Log cabins, combining Scotch-Irish and German styles, became iconic symbols of the state's culture. Tools like axes and draw knives were essential, and neighbors often collaborated on projects.

As industry grew, many West Virginians moved from farming to working in coal mines and factories, causing a decline in traditional farming practices. However, many aspects of folk culture still remain in the state today.