Refuting a myth about human origins

Premodern humans were thought to have lived in small, vulnerable groups of closely related individuals. Archaeology's concept of archaic versus modem humans developed as prehistoric archaeological research spread from Europe to other regions. The study of prehistoric people began in Europe during the 19th century in scientific societies, museums and universities. Writing in the early 20th century the American ethnologist Franz Boas railed against evolutionary anthropologists who ranked living human societies along an evolutionary scale from primitive to advanced. His arguments found an enthusiastic reception among his colleagues, and they remain basic principles of anthropology to this day. A similar change is needed in the archaeology of human origins. By focusing on behavioral variability, archaeologists will move toward a more scientific approach to human-origins research. The stereotypical caveman is inarticulate and dim-witted, and possesses a limited capacity for innovation.