Through the Ages: A Day in the Life of an Average Joe

This old site in northeast Zimbabwe depicts a group hunt scene. A day’s work to get food required a range of skills: strategy planning, physical agility and teamwork. Generally, hunters also needed wide-ranging knowledge on animal behaviour, edible plants, weather patterns, and so on. (Wikimedia Commons)

The rear end of an elaborately designed atlatl, or spear thrower. This atlatl is made from ivory and dates back about 17,000 years. The tail of the creeping hyena forms the hook used to propel spears forward. Everyone, including women and children, used this tool to hunt. (World History)

The above photo depicts cave paintings in one of central India’s Bhimbetka rock shelters. Paint colours were made with rocks, minerals, stones and coal. Animal fat was added to help the paint stick to the wall. People painted for the same reasons we make art today: to tell stories, document their lives, and of course, simply for the fun of it! (Wikimedia Commons)

Music is an age-old entertainment. The above depicts a replica of a bone flute from a cave in Geissenklösterle, the southwestern part of Germany. It is estimated to have been made almost 40,000 years ago. (Wikimedia Commons)

Farming in the Rain, CE 705-80. This painting from the Mogao Caves at Dunhang, China, depicts workers using the farming tactics of the Tang dynasty. (ResearchGate)

The average living quarters of a British farmer from the Middle Ages. In general, houses in the Middle Ages had very little furniture. Most simply contained a fireplace, a bed, and an area for livestock. (The Middle Ages)

The photo above depicts a medieval bath around the 1400s. Contrary to popular belief, people in the Middle Ages kept themselves clean. Most people washed themselves daily from a home basin. Once a week or so, they would head to a communal bath house. These had big wooden tubs in which they could even enjoy meals as they soaked. (Wikimedia Commons)

A depiction of bear baiting, circa 1325 CE. From India to Europe, bear-baiting was a beloved spectator sport. People came to witness the gory sight of a chained bear fighting against several dogs. The average person would walk long distances to cities to watch these fights. (Wikimedia Commons)

In factories, the average worker performed repetitive tasks under backbreaking conditions for up to 18 hours a day, 6 days a week! Factories produced goods that were in high demand among the upper and growing middle class, from fabrics to glass and cast iron goods. (Today in Labour History Blog)

Most workers lived in housing hastily set up near the factories where they worked. These accommodations were overcrowded, lacked plumbing, and had high crime rates. The lodging houses of Field Lane feature in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist as a den of pickpockets. (MyLearning, British Library)

Because factory workers were not paid well, their food had to be inexpensive. Oatcakes, which were both cheap and filling, were a popular meal. They were often hung on a rack known as a “bread flake” to cool and become crispy before being sold. (Wikimedia Commons)

What could you do with a penny in the 1800s? As it turns out, quite a lot. Penny gaffs featuring lively shows were popular among the working crowd. So were penny licks, which were tiny containers of ice cream. Unfortunately (or fortunately), penny licks were soon banned in London, as the unwashed glass containers could easily spread disease. (Wikimedia Commons)

Across various industries, the modern work day commonly sees us seated at our desks, whether from home or at the office. (Wikimedia Commons)

A familiar sight around the world. More people are now able to enjoy abundant food choices right off supermarket shelves. (Wikimedia Commons)

With the vision “to create a better everyday life for the many people”, Ikea has fast become the largest furniture retailer. All around the world, its affordable furniture turns our houses into cosy homes. (Wikimedia Commons)

We have to make up for all the sitting around and feasting on supermarket snacks somehow. The latest craze: fully furnished gyms that people flock to after work hours. (Wikimedia Commons)

We spend most of our leisure time in the comfort of our homes and on our screens. Our digital gadgets provide not only endless entertainment but also quick access to services such as food delivery and online medical consultations. (Unsplash)