Factors Influencing the Archaic Pattern of Animal Exploitation

1 January 1979

journal article
research article
Published by Taylor & Francis in KIVA

Vol. 44 (2) , 219-235
https://doi.org/10.1080/00231940.1979.11757918

Abstract

The origins of the Archaic subsistence pattern in North America are examined by focusing only on the terrestrial faunal procurement system. A model is presented and predictions derived which are then tested on faunal material from Russell Cave (Alabama), Rodgers Shelter (Missouri), and Hogup Cave (Utah). It is argued that the relative abundance of small animals in the prehistoric diet is an index to the natural availability of large species. It is concluded that the economic implications of a decline in the number of large species (post-Pleistocene extinctions) would be a shift towards greater dependence on the smaller animals.

Keywords

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