Hunters

Introduction

Richard Borshay Lee’s study of the !Kung Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert challenges the longstanding belief that hunter-gatherers live precarious existences. This research, conducted in the early 1960s, argues instead that the !Kung managed to sustain a fulfilling life despite the harshness of their environment, owing largely to their reliance on a variety of plant foods over meat.

Historical Context

Approximately 10,000 years ago, all humans survived as hunter-gatherers, living closely linked to their environments through sophisticated food-gathering strategies. As agriculture emerged, some hunter-gatherer societies, such as the !Kung, persisted in isolated regions. Lee's research provides insights into their subsistence and lifestyle, which defy the notion that such groups were constantly at risk of starvation or hardship.

The !Kung Bushmen: Environment and Lifestyle

Geographic Setting

The !Kung inhabit the northwestern Kalahari Desert, a semi-arid region with minimal rainfall (6-9 inches annually), rendering it marginal for human habitation. This isolation from agricultural and pastoral neighbors has played a crucial role in preserving their traditional lifestyles, which center on hunting and gathering.

Population and Social Structure

Lee’s study in the Dobe area involved 466 Bushmen, with variations in population size and camp composition influenced by seasonal conditions around eight permanent waterholes. The !Kung live in flexible, open social units that change frequently, which Lee refrains from labeling as "bands" due to their fluidity.

Subsistence Strategies

Food Sources

Contrary to the belief that !Kung subsistence primarily comes from hunting game, Lee found that 60-80% of their diet consisted of vegetable matter. The primary food source is the mongongo nut, which is prevalent and nutritionally dense, allowing the!Kung to thrive even in dry periods when game is less accessible. This nut can provide more calories and protein compared to traditional cultivated staples.

Gathering Activities

The work required for gathering is significant yet systematic, with women undertaking two to three days of work weekly to collect sufficient food. Men contribute by hunting but are less reliable in producing meat for the group. Overall, the efficiency of gathering parallels the low-stress lifestyle of the Bushmen, who adapt by utilizing locally available resources rather than relying heavily on unpredictable hunting.

Mobility and Resource Management

Camp Dynamics

The !Kung maintain a semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving camps regularly to exploit surrounding resources efficiently within a six-mile radius. They prioritize sharing resources equally, which minimizes surplus and emphasizes continuous subsistence efforts, contrasting sharply with agricultural societies that experience periods of labor-intensive cultivation followed by inactivity.

Seasonal Variation

Through various seasons, their access to food shifts, becoming more strenuous during the dry months when distances to edible plants increase. However, they demonstrate resilience and adaptability, highlighting the variety of resources available in their environment.

Work and Leisure

Time Allocation

Lee’s daily activity recording showed that the Bushmen devote approximately 12-19 hours a week to food gathering, which is significantly low compared to the expectations for subsistence lifestyles. This abundance allows them to engage in cultural and social activities, further enhancing their quality of life.

Health and Longevity

Contrary to common perceptions, life expectancy among the !Kung is favorable, with a considerable proportion living beyond sixty years. They regard elders with respect, ensuring their care and integration within society, which counters views of hunter-gatherer lifestyles as harsh and unforgiving.

Conclusions from the Study

Through Lee's research, it becomes evident that the !Kung Bushmen illustrate a successful adaptation to their environment. Key factors in their subsistence include the emphasis on a diverse diet derived from plant sources, the sharing ethos within camps, and the efficient resource management that allows for a reliable food supply. This challenges existing stereotypes about hunter-gatherer societies as precarious and emphasizes a more nuanced view of their way of life.

Changes Over Time

In the 1990s, significant social changes began to impact the !Kung, transitioning from a primarily hunter-gatherer society to one incorporating agriculture and animal husbandry. This change reflects broader trends in technology and economy, showcasing both the resilience and vulnerability of indigenous cultures in adapting to new circumstances.