What is a hunter-gatherer settlement? An ethno-archaeological and interdisciplinary approach.

• Main Authors: Gron, O, Kuznetsov, O
• Format: Report
• Language: unknown
• Published: BAR International Series 1302. 2004
• Subjects: Mesolithic; ethnoarchaeology; settlement organisation; cultural landscape; Evenki; Siberia
• Online Access: http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/182070/

The paper critizises on the basis of ethno-archaeological data from Evenki hunter-gatherers in Siberia the settlement concept as it is used in hunter/gatherer archaeology. It pleas for the development of a more realistic and operational approach to the phenomenon. It is suggested that the settlements should not be seen as small confined areas in the landscape but as a series of differently sized zones related to human habitation. Such a settlement concept would suit better an interdisciplinary approach than the traditional one. The archaeological problems related to re-use of locations for habitation - especially in forested environments with large amounts of firewood available - are discussed in relation to organisational aspects of Mesolithic settlements.