Читать книгу Introducing Anthropology - Laura Pountney - Страница 51

There is evidence which indicates that, around 2.6 to 2.8 million years ago, some groups of early humans began collecting tools and food from a variety of places and bringing them to favoured resting and eating spots. Sharing vital resources with other members of the group led to stronger social bonds and enhanced the group’s chances of survival. About 2 million years ago, early humans transported materials such as stone over several miles, from which they made tools for killing animals. Evidence has shown that, around 40,000 years ago, materials such as shells were being transported a long way from their original location, which suggests that humans were sharing resources and communicating with others from a range of different places. This sharing of goods led to the development of exchange systems, which are fundamental to the success of the human species and are a universal feature of all human societies.