Cambridge Encyclopedia of Hunters & Gatherers

Hunting and gathering is humanity's first and most successful adaptation. Until 12,000 years ago, all humanity 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 and the state, and their ongoing struggles for dignity and human rights as part of the worldwide movement of indigenous peoples. • Comprehensive survey of the conditions, cultures, and concerns of contemporary hunter-gatherers • A window on the current discourse in social theory pertaining to foraging peoples and their place in history • Presents hunter-gatherers as active participants in facing problems of political, economic, and ecological nature in the face of globalization'Any collection supporting the study of culture will need this book.' Choice'This is the most voluminous source available on modern hunter-gatherer societies with many excellent and readily accessible contributions.' Thomas Widlok, Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute'The encyclopedia sheds a respectful and objective light on the Earth's indigenous peoples, who look to the future as well as to the past.' Margaret Smith'A gold mine of information ... there is something in this volume for everyone. Scholars of religion will certainly find a wealth of information on mythology, cosmology, ritual practice, and sacred art. This is a book that should be on the reference shelf of every academic library catering to the needs of social scientists and humanists.' Religious Studies Review'This is an important and fascinating work. The numerous black-and-white photographs, drawings, and maps are excellent and well placed. The bibliographies at the end of each chapter, along with filmographies of the various native groups, are convenient springboards for further research.' Libraries Unlimited'In sum: this is the most voluminous source available on modern hunter-gatherer societies with many excellent and readily accessible contributions.' Thomas Widlock'The case studies are thorough and should provide anthropologists, and those with a specific interest in hunter-gathering society, with an excellent insight into the history, culture and society of the peoples ... excellent resource or scholars. It has been well researched and written, allowing the reader to undertake a serious study of the few remaining hunter gathering people in the world in the twenty-first century.' Reference Reviews