Pastoral Mode of Production

Pastoralism as a mode of production historically appeared ca. 5-6,000 B.C., primarily as an adaptation to dry grassland areas,high alpine meadows, or more northerly zones with short growing seasons. Pastoralists are still prevalent in many of these ecological zones, even though they are part of industrial states.

Sheepherders in Mongolia

For this course, you are required to know about the Nuer, our example of the pastoral mode of production.

In many respects, pastoralists are similar to horticulturists. The differences are noted below.

1. Pastoralists are dependent on animal husbandry (domesticated animals). The animals eat wild foods primarily, although some pastoralists grow plants for human consumption. Pastoralists are often known as herders.

2. Pastoralists are more nomadic than horticulturists. In nomadic pastoralism, people move their herds to different pastures, as food for the animals is exhausted locally. Nomadic pastoralists may travel large distances in a year. Transhumance (typical of the Nuer) is the second type of pastoralism, where herds are moved into the mountains during the spring, and back down into valleys during the fall and winter. Often only the teenagers and young adults, and only males, are likely to move with the herds year-round.

3. Diet is high in protein; usually milk, cheese and/or blood is consumed rather than meat. Animals are rarely slaughtered for their meat, but are eaten if killed for religious reasons.

4. Descent system is almost always patrilineal, with patrilocal residency.

5. Pastoral societies most frequently have a tribal organization rather than a chiefdom.