This unique reference book offers a comprehensive survey of the conditions, Cultures and concerns of contemporary hunter-gatherers.
1. Inventories hunter-gatherer peoples by continent, documenting the main varieties of Hunting and gathering Ways of life
2. Provides dozens of case studies with regional surveys
3. Presents theoretical perspectives, old and new
4. Contributors include many distinguished Academic authorities, drawn from six continents
5. Indigenous viewpoints well represented, with contributions from Native Americans, indigenous Siberians, Australians and Africans, and information on indigenous peoples and support groups
6. Specially commissioned Essays dealing with the prehistory, history, culture and Nutrition of hunter-gatherers
7. Other Topics include art, Eco-tourism, Gender studies, the social order, and the contribution of hunter-gatherers to Mythology and spirituality
Hunting and gathering was humanity's first and most Successful adaptation, occupying at least 90 percent of human history. Until 12,000 years ago, all humans lived this way. Surprisingly, in an increasingly urbanized and technological World dozens of hunting and gathering Societies have persisted and thrive worldwide resilient in the Face of change, their Ancient ways now combined with the trappings of modernity.
The Encyclopedia is divided into three parts. The first contains case studies, by leading experts, of over fifty hunting and gathering peoples, in seven major world regions. There is a General introduction and an Archaeological overview for each region. Part II contains thematic essays on prehistory, social life, gender, Music and art, health, religion, and indigenous knowledge. The final part surveys the Complex histories of hunter-gatherers' encounters with colonialism, the state, and their ongoing struggles for dignity and human rights as part of the worldwide Movement of indigenous peoples. |
