Uru-Chipaya / Max Peter Baumann [and many others].

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Baumann, Max Peter, author.

Series:

EHRAF World Cultures

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Civilization.

Indians of South America.

Ethnology--Altiplano.

Ethnology.

Physical Description:

1 online resource.

Place of Publication:

New Haven, Connecticut : Human Relations Area Files, 2014.

Summary:

This collection of 9 documents is about the Uru-Chipaya, a linguistically and culturally distinct people of the Titicaca-Poopó basin of the Andean altiplano. In addition to the culture summary, the collection consists of documents covering a variety of cultural, economic and historical information on the Uru-Chipaya in Iru-Itu or the Angoake and Chipaya settlements, based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted during the distinct periods 1931-1940 and 1970-1989. The basic sources to consult are the two by anthropologist Alfred Métraux who conducted fieldwork in Bolivia in early 1930s. Together, these works provide the first systematic and detailed description of Uru-Chipaya culture and society, drawing on first-hand observation and secondary sources. Specific themes covered include economic activities, material culture, language, social organization, religion and rituals. The collection also includes a book by anthropologist Nathan Wachtel who studied the Chipaya settlement at various times from 1970 to 1989. The discussion focuses on aspects of change and continuity he observed in Uru-Chipaya culture as the group continued to undergo a significant degree of Aymara acculturation. The information in the above-mentioned ethnographic accounts is supplemented by other works in the collection. Two works by Jehan Vellard, both of them translated from the French, provide general ethnographic descriptions based on information from two contrasting sources: the author's first-hand observation of Uru-Chipaya in Iru-Itu village in 1938-1944 (Vellard 1949) and analysis of relevant documents from Spanish colonial archives (Vellard 1959-1960). Julien discusses the ethnic composition of the Uru-Chipaya peoples and the meanings of this identity to tribute-collecting agents of the Spanish Crown. Baumann is concerned with the description and systematic classification of traditional Uru-Chipaya performing arts and cultural practices involving music, dance and songs. An article by La Barre, originally published in the Handbook of South American Indians, provides a good introduction to the Uru-Chipaya, including their history, subsistence, houses and villages, dress and adornment, trade, socio-political organization, and life cycles.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.