Early Gatherers and Hunters

Introduction

THINK… What are your basic needs? How are these needs met in your own

life? How are different foods you eat

produced or obtained? What tools and technology are used to

cook, obtain, and preserve foods?

THINK… Imagine your life without these forms

of technology:› Electricity› Cars› Running water› Metals› Plastics› Etc.› How would you feel?

THAT IS WHAT LIFE WAS LIKE IN THE STONE AGE!

Keep in mind though that many other countries do not have these things. We are very fortunate.

Prehistory Prehistory is that long period of time

before people developed systems of writing and written language.

Prehistoric people did not leave books, newspapers, or letters to help us understand how they lived.

So how can we learn about these people?

Archaeology Archaeology is the study of past

cultures through the things that remain such as buildings, tools, or pottery

The main task of an archaeologist is the careful uncovering of evidence, tools, or pottery.

Artifacts Archaeologists are most interested in

finding and analyzing ancient ARTIFACTS, or objects made by people long ago.

Artifacts can include:› Tools› Weapons› Jewelry› Pottery

THINK… How do artifacts become the pieces to

the puzzle of history?

Artifacts tell us…1. Ancient people hunted both small and

large animals for food.2. Hides of larger animals were used for

clothing and shelter.3. Ancient people ate berries, fruits, nuts,

wild grains, and roots.4. They needed to move around in order

to find a constant source of animals and fruit.

For this reason, early peoples are described as…

HUNTERS AND

GATHERERS