Rethinking stone age economics: Some speculations concerning the pre-Columbian Yanoama economy

The introduction of steel tools and new crops radically transformed the Yanoama Indians' pre-Columbian economy. A consideration of the impact of these innovations allows for the reconstruction of that economy which suggests a higher dependence upon foraging, a lower population density, more mobile settlement pattern, and heavier workload, than today. This reconstruction challenges both current speculations about pre-Columbian Amazonian economic systems which apply Sahlins' concept of aboriginal affluence and those concerning the relationship between Amazonian environment and cultural development. This reconstruction, confirmed in part by fragmentary historical sources, explores some of the dramatic changes which must have taken place since contact. The Yanoama's agricultural subsistence base is a recent innovation, made possible since contact by new tools and new crops.This article has benefitted considerably from conversations with Emilio Fuentes to whom I offer my gratitude. I would also like to thank the anonymous reviewer who made detailed comments on a first draft.