Global Perspectives on the Impact of Drastic Environmental Changes in Hunter-Gatherer Technologies

Researchers have long debated the impact of climate change on human culture and particularly in hunter-gatherer societies. Climate drifts, particularly abrupt ones, have been continuingly seen as major prompts for rapid technological and cultural innovation.

Recent advances in paleoclimatic reconstructions and ongoing developments in the quality and chronological resolution of archaeological data have allowed a better understanding of the extent to which patterns of specific environmental changes triggered modifications in the technological systems of hunter-gatherers.

This session intends to bring together contributions addressing strategic changes in the organization of hunter-gatherer technologies as a response to drastic environmental shifts. Discussed topics will include climate-driven alterations in lithic, organic tools and ceramic production, pyrotechnology, hunting strategies techniques, pigment processing, use of plants and adornments, from all chronologies and geographical contexts.

We aim to contribute to the continuing debate over cause and effect in the interplay between humans and climate and to a better understanding of the role and magnitude of environmental determinism in the archaeology of hunter-gatherers.