Anthropology of Hunter-Gatherers

This book provides a basic introduction to key debates in the study of hunter-gatherers specifically from an anthropological perspective but designed for an archaeological audience. Hunter-gatherers have been the focus of intense anthropological research and discussion over the last hundred years and as such there is an enormous literature on communities all over the world. Yet among the diverse range of peoples studied there are a number of recurrent themes including not only the way in which people make a living (hunting gathering and fishing) but also striking similarities in other areas of life such as belief systems and social organisation. These themes are described and then explored through archaeological case-studies. The overarching theme throughout the volume is the use of ethnographic analogy and how archaeologists should be critical in its use.