Revising Ancient Misconceptions: Female Hunters in Prehistoric Peru

Contrary to enduring stereotypes, new data suggests that women also participated in large-scale hunting in ancient times.

Archeological discoveries from Peru challenge the prevailing “Man the Hunter” paradigm by establishing that women too were engaged in big-game hunting.

This discovery contradicts what science journalist James Gorman once labeled as a widespread belief among scholars of ancient hunters and gatherers: that hunting was the domain of men while gathering was women’s work.

The concept of “Man the Hunter” was initially posited by early 20th-century anthropologists. They speculated that male-led hunting was the primary force behind human evolution, giving rise to bipedalism, cognitive development, tool use, and even violent tendencies. According to this view, women played a secondary role, waiting for men to bring sustenance home.

A report from France24 provided insights into the archeological revelations in Peru.

As a researcher focused on hunting and gathering societies, I was captivated by the discovery of female remains interred with hunting equipment, which provokes questions about historical gender roles. However, most media portrayals of this discovery were regrettably imprecise. Annalee Newitz, a journalist, remarked that this discovery threatens to dismantle long-standing stereotypes about men being the exclusive hunters and women being the gatherers. It should be noted that such theories have long been discredited.

The Origin of Hunting Theories

In 1966, a symposium titled “Man the Hunter” was organized at the University of Chicago, featuring 75 anthropologists—70 of whom were male. These scholars studied various contemporary hunter-gatherer populations globally, from tropical forests to arctic tundras.

Real-world evidence presented at the symposium refuted the “Man the Hunter” narrative. Studies demonstrated that women contribute significantly to sustenance and that plant foods gathered by women are essential for hunter-gatherer diets. Multiple ecological factors influenced their movement patterns, not merely the presence of game. Furthermore, these societies often exhibited peaceful and egalitarian behaviors. By the late 1970s, subsequent gender-focused studies led to the gradual discrediting of the “Man the Hunter” theory.

Evolving Understandings

Nonetheless, most research supports the idea of a simple division of labor in hunting and gathering societies: men predominantly hunt, and women predominantly gather. Anthropologist Carol Ember’s survey of 179 societies discovered only 13 where women were involved in hunting.

However, it is misleading to equate this general pattern with the flawed “Man the Hunter” narrative, which was rooted more in assumption than rigorous empirical study.

Decades of field research have provided a nuanced view of human labor, indicating that neither biological imperatives nor rigid social roles strictly dictate women’s or men’s tasks. By the mid-1980s, several accounts of women engaging in hunting in foraging societies had already surfaced.

The existence of female hunters in ancient times should thus not be viewed as an anomaly but rather as an expectation. The true point of inquiry should be how societies with female big-game hunters might have been organized.

Hunting and Childcare Dynamics

Feminist anthropologist Judith Brown postulated in 1970 that the requirements of hunting often clash with childcare responsibilities. Recent surveys affirm that women who are pregnant, lactating, or have young dependents usually do not engage in hunting unless childcare is available or rich hunting areas are near the campsite.

These considerations impact risk assessments. Men typically take higher risks in hunting, often venturing alone or in small groups to target large game, requiring extensive, high-speed travel. Women, in contrast, usually prefer group hunting and focus on smaller prey closer to the camp, often with the assistance of dogs.

Women also play a critical role in the hunting success of men, whether through logistical or ritualistic support. In certain societies, women manufacture essential hunting equipment and may also directly participate in the hunting process.

Economic Rationality and Social Constructs

Traditional gender roles in hunter-gatherer societies may be economically rational decisions based on comparative advantages like strength and the demands of childcare. These roles facilitate maximizing food acquisition for the entire community.

A Case Study: The Batek People

The Batek people, hunter-gatherers from the rainforests of Malaysia, defy the notion that women who don’t hunt occupy a lower social status. Their society is notably egalitarian, emphasizing shared resources and individual freedom. Their gender roles stem from differences in physical strength, childcare responsibilities, and specialization of knowledge.

Conclusion

The archeological data from Peru aligns well with contemporary understanding of labor division in hunter-gatherer societies and dismantles the antiquated “Man the Hunter” myth. Social implications of these findings remain complex and nuanced. Future research on factors influencing women’s status and economic behavior in traditional societies will offer additional clarity. However, as the Batek case demonstrates, status and power dynamics within a community are not solely determined by who provides the food.

Authored by Vivek V. Venkataraman, Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary. Adapted from an original article published in The Conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gender Roles in Hunter-Gatherer Societies

More about Gender Roles in Hunter-Gatherer Societies

• The Man the Hunter Debate
• Gender Roles in Hunter-Gatherer Societies: A Study
• Archaeological Findings on Ancient Gender Roles
• The Batek People: A Profile
• The Conversation: Original Article
• University of Calgary Anthropology Department
• Carol Ember’s Research on Hunter-Gatherer Societies
• Feminist Anthropology and Gender Roles