Primate archaeology 3.0

Area of Science:

• Primate Archaeology
• Evolutionary Anthropology
• Behavioral Ecology

Background:

• Primate archaeology studies nonhuman primate technological behavior and material records.
• Current research heavily focuses on lithic artifacts, limiting insights into broader behavioral repertoires.
• Comparative data from primate tool use is valuable but insufficient for a complete understanding of technological evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose expanding primate archaeology beyond lithic artifact analysis.
• To explore overlooked areas crucial for understanding the full primate behavioral repertoire.
• To integrate non-technological activities into archaeological investigations.

Main Methods:

• Identifying and discussing four new areas of investigation: Plant technology, Archaeology beyond technology, Landscape archaeology, and Primate cultural heritage.
• Analyzing the latest developments and challenges within these proposed areas.
• Proposing future research directions for a more inclusive primate archaeology.

Main Results:

• The study identifies significant overlooked areas in primate archaeology.
• It highlights the potential of investigating plant technology, non-tool aided activities, landscape use, and cultural displays.
• These areas offer crucial data for understanding primate behavioral evolution.

Conclusions:

• An inclusive primate archaeology, encompassing diverse behavioral traces, is essential.
• Expanding the field will benefit the study of primate evolution and human technological origins.
• This broader approach will also enhance primate conservation by clarifying primate-environment interactions.