From hunters to farmers: Changing means of subsistence and food production among the Oroqen

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer research on the changed time and space in the mind of the Oroqen people who used to be hunters and investigate the problems that arise in the transition phase for them by a case study of Oroqen people of northeast China.

Design/methodology/approach

Anthropological and linguistic field works were conducted and supported with theories from historical and human civilization studies. The field work is based on the changing time and space perspective towards Oroqen hunter‐gathers.

Findings

The paper finds that, although thought to be offered a good way of living, Oroqen people in northeast China are bewildered facing the new style of human existence. Most of them are still not well adapted after about a half century's change.

Research limitations/implications

The research was conducted mainly on the inner Mongolian villages and also mentions about people who live in the Heilongjiang province of China. Further research should target more diverse areas.

Practical implications

There are still some peoples today that are in near or close resemblance to the Oroqen people at the present stage. A report and study on the Oroqen may shed light on the commonality.

Originality/value

From field work done by the author, the paper attempts to reveal the universality of the Oroqen in the transition phase; for example, the present day Masai people in Kenya, the Ewinki and Hezhen peoples from northeast China. The study helps to record the fading civilizing stage in terms of psychological and life style adaptation.

Citation

Yin, T. (2006), "From hunters to farmers: Changing means of subsistence and food production among the Oroqen", British Food Journal, Vol. 108 No. 11, pp. 951-957. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070700610709986