Abstract
A FIVE-YEAR plan for an anthropological survey of Ireland has been formulated by anthropological members of Harvard University. It will cover the archaeology, social anthropology and the physical characters of the Irish people. In a preliminary account and progress report of the survey (Science, vol. 76, No. 1978) its object is said to be “to produce some sort of scientific interpretation of the Irish people”. The proposal has been cordially received in Ireland, and now has the official approval of the President of the Irish Free State. The archæological section of the expedition is already at work and during the past summer, under the leadership of Dr. O'Neil Hencken and under the auspices of the National Museum of Ireland, has been engaged in the excavation of a Viking age crannog at Ballinderry, Co. Westmeath, and of bronze age burials nearby at Knockast, with remarkable results. For the study of social anthropology, Co. Clare has been chosen as the area affording most typically a blend of the old and the new in Irish culture. A preliminary survey has been made by Prof. W. Lloyd Warner, assistant professor of social anthropology in Harvard University, assisted by Mr. Conrad Arensburg, postgraduate anthropological student of the University. It is intended to devote two years with an extended staff to the observation of every aspect of Irish social life. Physical anthropology will be under the charge of Prof. E. A. Hooton, of Harvard University, who will also be responsible for the general oversight of the work of the expedition.
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Anthropological Survey of Ireland. Nature 131, 160–161 (1933). https://doi.org/10.1038/131160d0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/131160d0