North American Archaic Tradition

The North American Archaic Tradition refers to a period in prehistoric Native American history, roughly 8000 to 1000 BCE, following the end of the Ice Age. During this time, people transitioned from big-game hunting to a more varied diet that included smaller animals, fish, and gathered plants. This era saw the development of specialized tools, such as grinding stones for processing seeds, and the establishment of more permanent settlements. The Archaic Tradition laid the groundwork for later cultural developments and the agricultural practices that emerged in the following eras.