Hunter-Gatherer Cultures Peoples who rely on the collection of wild plant and animal foods (gathering, hunting, fishing). The first “solar based” societies. Social organization: small groups (bands) typical, 100 people or less. Small groups mean less travel effort to acquire food resources. Large groups if seasonal or semi-permanent food supply allows (such as coastal Pacific Northwest). Culture interpreted as a means of adjustment to variation in distribution & abundance of resources. Sharing helps minimize risks (lack of food) and food loss (excess). Sharing via redistribution & reciprocity. Egalitarianism Interband trade or travel evens out spatial variation in resources. Limited specialization often gender based. Males? Females?