What is a band in anthropology?
Q: What is a band in anthropology?
A: In anthropology, a band is the tiniest society consisting of 5-80 people who are typically close relatives by birth or marriage. It can be thought of as an extended family or several related extended families.
Q: Where are autonomous bands found today?
A: Autonomous bands today are almost confined to the most remote parts of New Guinea and Amazonia.
Q: How long have humans been living in bands?
A: Humans have been living in bands for at least 40,000 years until recently when improved technology allowed some hunter-gatherers to settle in permanent dwellings in resource-rich areas.
Q: What kind of economic specialization exists within a band?
A: Within a band there is no regular economic specialization except by age and sex; all able-bodied individuals forage for food.
Q: Are there formal institutions such as laws, police, and treaties present within a band?
A: No, there are no formal institutions such as laws, police, and treaties present within a band to resolve conflicts between members.
Q: Is leadership within a band formalized or hereditary?
A: No, leadership within a band is not formalized or hereditary; it is acquired through qualities such as personality, strength, intelligence, and fighting skills.
Q: What other animals live in bands similar to humans?
A: Our closest biological relatives - gorillas chimpanzees and bonobos - also live in bands similar to humans.
