Daylong patterns of object-centric interaction in two subsistence societies

Object-centric interactions provide rich sources of multimodal input for early learning. Using daylong photo streams from child-worn cameras, we analyze > 90k images to identify the frequency and targets of object handling across the first three years of life in two small-scale subsistence farming communities on opposite sides of the globe (Tseltal Mayan and Rossel Papuan). We find that infant object handling is relatively frequent in both communities, capturing just under one-third of infants’ waking time, on average, and increasing with age. In contrast, others’ handling of child-relevant objects was exceptionally rare, capturing only 1–2% of infants’ waking time, on average, in both communities. The distribution of infants’ handled object categories (e.g., consumables, mealtime tools, natural kinds, etc.) was broadly similar across communities and relatively stable over development, likely reflecting consistent features of children’s physical environments and daily routines. However, the exact objects available to infants varied substantially both within and between communities. We discuss how the objects infants handle index their early experiences and offer a window into the sociocultural contexts shaping their everyday learning.