Primate Archaeology

Abstract

Primate archaeology is a novel field that combines the use of archaeological methods with animal behavior approaches to study non-human primates and their technology. At the intersection of primatology and archaeology, this burgeoning field is providing a new comparative perspective to the study of the origins and evolution of technology in humans and other hominids. Research includes the study and analysis of tool making, site use and formation, surveys, and excavations of activity sites. This entry provides an overview of the history and development of this field, its contribution to archaeological interpretation, key methods, current challenges, and future directions.