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The Origins of Specialized Nomadic Pastoralism: A Systemic Model

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Susan H. Lees  and
Daniel G. Bates
Susan H. Lees
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, Hunter College, CUNY
Daniel G. Bates
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, Hunter College, CUNY
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Abstract

A model is presented which describes the transition from mixed rainfall-dependent agriculture with animal husbandry to specialized modes of production based upon irrigated agriculture and nomadic pastoralism. This model emphasizes selective pressures for mixed farming before irrigation agriculture had expanded in the arid alluvial zones of Mesopotamia, and selective pressures for specialization after irrigation agriculture had become established in that zone. It goes on to describe dynamic interaction between specialized groups once such specialization has become institutionalized.

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Type
Articles
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American Antiquity , Volume 39 , Issue 2Part1 , April 1974 , pp. 187 - 193
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 1974

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