Revisiting History: Women as Hunters in Prehistoric Societies

November 29, 2023

For years, the narrative of prehistoric societies perpetuated the idea of ‘Man, the Hunter,’ asserting that men were the primary hunters while women gathered. This theory, influencing the division of labor based on gender, has been challenged by recent studies highlighting the active participation of women in hunting activities. Two groundbreaking studies emphasize not only women’s involvement in hunting but also the biological advantages that women possessed in this domain.

Challenging ‘Man, the Hunter’ Narrative

The ‘Man, the Hunter’ theory, rooted in the 1960s research of anthropologists Richard Borshay Lee and Irven DeVore, argued that evolutionary developments in humans were primarily driven by the hunting of animals. Recent studies, however, have contested this theory, suggesting that it overlooked the crucial role of women in hunting activities.

Evidence of Women as Hunters

A study conducted by American researchers analyzed 63 present-day foraging societies worldwide, revealing that 79% of these societies had documentation on women participating in hunting. This challenges the notion that biological factors such as pregnancy and menstruation restricted women from engaging in hunting activities.

Physiological Advantages of Women in Hunting

The studies emphasize the role of estrogen, a hormone produced more in females than males, in enhancing women’s endurance capabilities. While acknowledging biological differences between genders, the researchers contend that females are metabolically better suited for endurance activities, such as running. Estrogen influences fine-motor control, memory, neuron growth, and fat metabolism, providing women with advantages in endurance exercises.

Archaeological Evidence

Examining burial remains of Neandertals, the researchers found no significant differences in trauma or injury patterns based on sex. This suggests that both males and females engaged in similar activities, from hunting large game animals to processing hides. The studies argue that between 45,000 and 10,000 years ago, while males showed injuries associated with spear-throwing, it doesn’t negate female involvement in hunting, considering the simultaneous invention of tools like bows and arrows, hunting nets, and fishing hooks.

Shifts in Gender Roles

Around 10,000 years ago, with the advent of agriculture, gender roles became more rigid, leading to economic inequality. The studies suggest that this shift, marked by the intensive investment in land, population growth, and clumped resources, contributed to the establishment of distinct gendered roles.

Correcting Historical Bias

Recent research challenges biases imposed on historical narratives and aims to correct the modern-day misconceptions about prehistoric gender roles. The studies contribute to reshaping our understanding of the dynamic roles women played in hunting and subsistence activities during ancient times.

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