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Archaeologists Discover That Hunter-Gatherers Were Likely Mostly Plant-Based

Recent archaeological findings challenge conventional notions about the dietary habits of early human hunter-gatherers. Contrary to the widely held belief that our ancestors subsisted primarily on a high-protein, meat-heavy diet, evidence from burial sites in the Peruvian Andes suggests a different narrative. The remains of 24 individuals dating back between 9,000 and 6,500 years reveal a surprising emphasis on plant-based nutrition.

Led by Dr Randy Haas of the University of Wyoming, a team of archaeologists conducted a comprehensive analysis of skeletal remains from the Wilamaya Patjxa and Soro Mik’aya Patjxa burial sites. The study, published in the journal PLOS One, challenges the assumption that early human economies revolved around hunting, presenting a more nuanced picture of their dietary practices.

“Our analysis shows that the diets were composed of 80% plant matter and 20% meat,” explains Dr Haas, highlighting a significant departure from conventional wisdom. Wild potatoes and other root vegetables emerged as dominant sources of nutrition, challenging the prevailing notion of a meat-centric diet.

Jennifer Chen, a PhD student in anthropology at Penn State University and first author of the paper, emphasizes the importance of understanding early human diets, particularly in challenging environments like the Andes. “A lot of archaeological frameworks on hunter-gatherers center on hunting and meat-heavy diets, but we are finding that early hunter-gatherers in the Andes were mostly eating plant foods like wild tubers,” says Chen.

The research team uncovered evidence of burnt plant remains and observed distinct patterns of dental wear indicating a reliance on tubers, possibly wild potatoes, as a primary food source. Surprisingly, large mammals such as deer or llamas constituted the majority of meat in the diet, rather than smaller mammals, birds, or fish.

The findings underscore the need to reassess long-held assumptions about early human diets and lifestyles. Dr Haas reflects on the belief in meat-dominated diets, acknowledging the influence of biases within archaeological circles. “If you were to talk to me before this study, I would’ve guessed meat comprised 80% of the diet,” he admits, highlighting the prevalence of misconceptions.

The biases inherent in archaeological interpretations, coupled with cultural perceptions of hunting as masculine, have contributed to the perpetuation of a “macho caveman” stereotype. Dr Haas suggests that similar biases may have colored research into early human diets worldwide, urging a reevaluation of existing frameworks.

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