Male Scientists Did Not Believe Women Hunted
In the dry sandy heat of Peru, a dashing archaeologist uncovers an amazing discovery hidden deep under the dust of a long forgotten village. There lies the grave of an important figure, a strong leader that lived here long ago. The 9000-year-old human skeleton lays there surrounded by a vast arsenal of weapons and hunting tools. It is very clear that they were buried with high honor and care, protecting their legacy with this dedicated shrine. They must have been a great chief, a warrior, a protector of their people. They must have been an alpha hunter providing their tribe with a wealth of large game, providing their family with fresh and nutritious meat. They must have been what every hunter has ever been, a man.
Turns out it was a woman.
This story of men as hunters and women as gatherers has been persistent for much of modern scientific history. Men love meat, men are strong, men love to kill things and provide for their families. Women like plants, women are nurturing, they have babies and stay home to take care of the children. Turns out all of it was just an extension of the male dominant field of archeologists simply extending the prevailing narrative at the time.
Most of the evidence for these findings came from anecdotal stories and observations of existing aboriginal tribes. There were also books published…
