Hunters and gatherers
..... the definitive descriptive terms for humans.
As a species we're primarily associated with these two main activities in providing ourselves with the sources for sustenance
Though, as commodities go... food isn't necessarily the only aspect of value to be gathered or considered as a form of sustenance.
Hunters do not need guns or arrows.
Commodoties
Things of value may differ regionally, individually, culturally.... what matters is how much and in what way we place value on the phenomena, item, thing, etc.
By far, generally speaking, the greatest value has been placed on the most elusive, exclusive or difficult to obtain items. The easiest areas to cite are wealth related. Gems and gold have always been difficult to obtain, so have sources of food, heat, comfort. Though these are relative in the 21st century, where we can artificially improve the provision within specific parameters. Genetically modifying - as an example
Wherever value is placed, so value is increased.
Ease of obtainment is decreased relatively.
And a Cycle commences,
What is valued increases in value
Availability becomes limited and associated (or recognised) costs escalate in proportion
Value invariably increases in relation
