The San people were called hunter-gatherers because of their traditional way of life, which involved hunting animals and gathering wild plants for survival.
1. Hunting for Food

• The San men were skilled hunters, using bows and poisoned arrows to catch animals like antelope, birds, and small mammals.
• They also used tracking skills to follow animal footprints and behaviours to find food.

2. Gathering Wild Plants

• San women and children were responsible for gathering wild fruits, roots, nuts, and edible plants to supplement their diet.
• This provided essential nutrients and food variety, ensuring survival even when hunting was not successful.

Since the San people did not farm or keep livestock, they depended entirely on hunting and gathering, which is why they are known as hunter-gatherers.