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Characterization of hunter-gatherer networks and implications for cumulative culture

Author

Listed:
  • A. B. Migliano

    (University College London)

  • A. E. Page

    (University College London)

  • J. Gómez-Gardeñes

    (University of Zaragoza)

  • G. D. Salali

    (University College London)

  • S. Viguier

    (University College London)

  • M. Dyble

    (University College London)

  • J. Thompson

    (University College London)

  • Nikhill Chaudhary

    (University College London)

  • D. Smith

    (University College London)

  • J. Strods

    (University College London)

  • R. Mace

    (University College London)

  • M. G. Thomas

    (Evolution and Environment, University College London)

  • V. Latora

    (School of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London)

  • L. Vinicius

    (University College London)

Abstract

Social networks in modern societies are highly structured, usually involving frequent contact with a small number of unrelated ‘friends’1. However, contact network structures in traditional small-scale societies, especially hunter-gatherers, are poorly characterized. We developed a portable wireless sensing technology (motes) to study within-camp proximity networks among Agta and BaYaka hunter-gatherers in fine detail. We show that hunter-gatherer social networks exhibit signs of increased efficiency2 for potential information exchange. Increased network efficiency is achieved through investment in a few strong links among non-kin ‘friends’ connecting unrelated families. We show that interactions with non-kin appear in childhood, creating opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange beyond family at early ages. We also show that strong friendships are more important than family ties in predicting levels of shared knowledge among individuals. We hypothesize that efficient transmission of cumulative culture3–6 may have shaped human social networks and contributed to our tendency to extend networks beyond kin and form strong non-kin ties.

Suggested Citation

  • A. B. Migliano & A. E. Page & J. Gómez-Gardeñes & G. D. Salali & S. Viguier & M. Dyble & J. Thompson & Nikhill Chaudhary & D. Smith & J. Strods & R. Mace & M. G. Thomas & V. Latora & L. Vinicius, 2017. "Characterization of hunter-gatherer networks and implications for cumulative culture," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 1(2), pages 1-6, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nathum:v:1:y:2017:i:2:d:10.1038_s41562-016-0043
    DOI: 10.1038/s41562-016-0043
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    Cited by:

    1. Cecilia Padilla-Iglesias & Javier Blanco-Portillo & Bogdan Pricop & Alexander G. Ioannidis & Balthasar Bickel & Andrea Manica & Lucio Vinicius & Andrea Bamberg Migliano, 2024. "Deep history of cultural and linguistic evolution among Central African hunter-gatherers," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 8(7), pages 1263-1275, July.
    2. Ge, Erhao & Cairang, Dongzhi & Mace, Ruth, 2022. "Religiosity structures social networks in a Tibetan population," OSF Preprints qpa4b, Center for Open Science.

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