The Ethological Roots of Culture (Nato Science Series D:)

Author: R.A. GardnerPublisher: SpringerHardcover:ISBN 10: 0792331273ISBN 13: 978-0792331278Can the concept of culture be applied validly to another species? This paper first reports (as a case study) a kind of grooming shown by wild chimpanzees which seems to be a truly social custom. The example serves to introduce the practical pitfalls and potentials of seeking to answer the question posed. Next, the paper focuses on a type of tool-use, hammer-and-anvil, which varies across populations and has important archaeological implications. Broadening further, an exhaustive catalogue of habitual tool-use across all known field-studies is presented. Finally, the evidence of regional and local patterns of tool­ use by wild chimpanzees is assessed. The paper then turns to mechanisms of cultural processes, especially innovation, before ending with responses to recent criticisms by the "anti-culturalists". If concepts such as culture are to help us understand the behavior of our nearest relations