Abstract
THE third part of Baron Nordenskiold's comparative ethnographical studies of South America is in some respects the most interesting of the series. It is an illuminating example of the use to which, in skilful hands, distribution maps can be put in elucidating the cultural history of an obscure ethnographical area. In north-east Bolivia there is a large number of tribes, some belonging to recognised linguistic groups, others speaking isolated languages. The explanation of the considerable differences in culture among these is to be sought in their history rather than in the influence of geographical conditions which, broadly speaking, are identical throughout. The country consists for the most part of plains, which at one time in parts were subject to inundation. Hence mounds were erected for purposes of cultivation. The Seriono, who represent the most primitive stage among the tribes, alone raised no crops and subsisted by hunting. The tribes now have iron; the stone wliich they formerly used was all imported as there is none in the country. It is interesting to note that a stone-grinding industry still exists.
The Ethnography of South America seen from Mojos in Bolivia.
By Erland Nordenskiöld. (Comparative Ethnographical Studies, 3.) Pp. vi + 254 + 30 maps. (London: Oxford University Press, 1924.) 18s. 6d. net.
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The Ethnography of South America seen from Mojos in Bolivia . Nature 115, 601 (1925). https://doi.org/10.1038/115601a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/115601a0