18.2 Animals and Subsistence

Human-animal interactions shape cultural practices and subsistence strategies worldwide. From empathetic bonds with pets to spiritual connections in hunting, these relationships reflect diverse cultural values and ecological adaptations.

Hunter-gatherers and nomadic pastoralists exemplify contrasting approaches to animal-based subsistence. While hunters follow wild prey, pastoralists rely on domesticated herds. Both groups develop unique beliefs and practices around their animal interactions.

Human-Animal Interactions and Subsistence Strategies

Empathy in human-animal interactions

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Top images from around the web for Empathy in human-animal interactions

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  Frontiers | The New Era of Canine Science: Reshaping Our Relationships With Dogs View original

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  Frontiers | The Power of a Positive Human–Animal Relationship for Animal Welfare View original

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  Frontiers | Validating Rat Model of Empathy for Pain: Effects of Pain Expressions in Social Partners View original

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  Frontiers | The New Era of Canine Science: Reshaping Our Relationships With Dogs View original

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  Frontiers | The Power of a Positive Human–Animal Relationship for Animal Welfare View original

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• Empathy enables humans to understand and share animals' feelings, shaping cultural practices and beliefs about animal welfare and treatment
• Influences the formation of emotional bonds between humans and animals (pets, working animals)
• High-empathy cultures often view animals as sentient beings with emotions and treat them with respect and compassion
• Low-empathy cultures may prioritize human needs over animal welfare and view animals as resources for consumption or use (livestock, laboratory animals)

Hunter-gatherers vs nomadic pastoralists

• Hunter-gatherers rely on hunting wild animals for food and resources
  • Employ sustainable hunting methods to avoid overexploitation (selective hunting, seasonal restrictions)
  • May hold spiritual beliefs that emphasize respect for animal prey (offering prayers, rituals)
• Nomadic pastoralists depend on domesticated animals for food, milk, and other resources
  • Herd animals (cattle, sheep, goats) are a form of wealth and social status
  • Develop close emotional bonds with animals due to daily interactions and dependence
• Both groups may have animistic beliefs attributing spiritual qualities to animals (animal spirits, totems)
• Mobility and settlement patterns affect human-animal interactions
  • Hunter-gatherers follow animal migrations and seasonal availability (caribou, salmon)
  • Pastoralists move with herds to find suitable grazing areas and water sources (steppes, savannas)
• Both groups practice ecological adaptation to optimize their subsistence strategies in different environments

Rock Cree hunters' animal beliefs

• The Rock Cree, a First Nations group in Canada, traditionally practice hunting and gathering
• Believe in maintaining respectful relationships with animal prey
  • Animals are seen as conscious beings with agency and the ability to communicate with humans
  • Hunters must show respect and gratitude towards hunted animals (offering prayers, tobacco)
• Perform rituals to ensure the animal's spirit is not offended and will continue to provide for the community
• Believe in "animal masters" or spiritual beings that control animal populations (Caribou Master, Bear Master)
  • Hunters must maintain good relationships with animal masters to ensure successful hunts and avoid retribution
• Proper treatment of animal remains is crucial to avoid offending the animal's spirit
  • Bones and other parts must be disposed of respectfully (burial, placing in trees)
  • Failure to do so may result in the animal master withholding future hunting success
• These beliefs often lead to food taboos that regulate hunting and consumption practices

Subsistence and Cultural Practices

• Domestication of plants and animals has significantly influenced human societies and their relationship with nature
• Reciprocity plays a crucial role in many subsistence-based communities, promoting social cohesion and resource sharing
• Effective resource management is essential for sustainable subsistence practices and long-term survival in various ecosystems