Band (anthropology) facts for kids

In anthropology, which is the study of human societies and cultures, bands are the smallest types of human groups. They usually have about 5 to 80 people. Most members are close family, related by birth or marriage. Think of a band as a big extended family or a few related families living together.

Long ago, most humans lived in bands. This was true until about 11,000 years ago. Today, only a few groups still live in autonomous bands. You can find them in remote places like New Guinea and the Amazon. Other groups, like some African Pygmies and Aboriginal Australians, used to live in bands. These groups were often nomadic hunter-gatherers. This means they moved around to find food, instead of staying in one place to farm.

What are Bands?

Bands are very small groups of people. They are often made up of family members. These groups share everything and work together to survive.

Life in a Band

Bands do not have a single permanent home. They move around to find food and resources. The whole group shares the land they use. They do not divide it among smaller groups or individuals.

Everyone in a band helps find food. There are no special jobs, except for differences between adults and children, or men and women. For example, men might hunt, and women might gather plants.

Bands do not have formal rules or laws. They also do not have police or official leaders. Conflicts are usually solved informally within the group.

Leadership in Bands

Bands are often called "egalitarian." This means there are no formal social classes. No one is born into a higher position. There are also no official leaders who inherit their power.

However, this does not mean everyone is exactly equal. Some people might have more respect or influence. This "leadership" is informal. It is earned through personal qualities. These qualities include being strong, smart, or good at solving problems.

Bands Through History

Our closest animal relatives, like gorillas and chimpanzees, also live in groups similar to bands. Scientists believe all humans lived in bands for millions of years. This was our main way of organizing society.

Later, people developed better tools and ways to get food. This allowed some hunter-gatherers to settle down. They built permanent homes in places with lots of resources. These changes happened in the last few tens of thousands of years.