Showing papers in "American Anthropologist in 1974"
TL;DR: In this paper, a pictographic and conventional documentation from Prehispanic and Colonial times reveals mechanisms of succession and alliance operative in the formation, expansion, and integration of Mixtec kingdoms, and suggests that marital alliance be considered, along with other coercive and voluntaristic forces, in the dynamics of state formation and development.
Abstract: Analysis of pictographic and conventional documentation from Prehispanic and Colonial times reveals mechanisms of succession and alliance operative in the formation, expansion, and integration of Mixtec kingdoms. It is suggested that marital alliance be considered, along with other coercive and voluntaristic forces, in the dynamics of state formation and development. Royal marital alliances were exceedingly important not only in the maintenance of individual Mixtec “ministates” or kingdoms, but also in the creation of a social, political, and economic network that linked numerous communities and political domains into a broad social field bridging varied geographical zones ranging from tropical lowlands to highland valleys.
62 citations
TL;DR: The Brose-Wolpoff hypothesis (1971) fails to use a “population” understanding of Upper Pleistocene hominid variation and argues a universal model of Middle Paleolithic-Upper Paleolithic cultural and physical transition unsuitable for southern Africa or Southeast Asia.
Abstract: The Neanderthal “problem” is less likely to be solved by hypotheses which are broad and inclusive, with respect to late Pleistocene hominids, than by more limited ones for which existing data are suitable and which conform in as many dimensions as possible to evolutionary theory. Specifically, the Brose-Wolpoff hypothesis (1971) fails to use a “population” understanding of Upper Pleistocene hominid variation and argues a universal model of Middle Paleolithic-Upper Paleolithic cultural and physical transition unsuitable for southern Africa or Southeast Asia.
46 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an interpretation of the concept of social structure in the context of a theory of models, construed as mental structures, conscious or unconscious, is presented. But the social structure is found to have an objective reality but at the same time to be dependent on the existence of the models.
Abstract: This paper offers an interpretation of the concept of social structure in the context of a theory of models, construed as mental structures, conscious or unconscious. Operational and representational models are attributed to members of the society studied, explanatory models to the anthropologists studying them. The social structure is found to have an objective reality but at the same time to be dependent on the existence of the models. And in this it seems to exhibit a general property of objects of the social sciences.
42 citations
TL;DR: The use of coca leaves in the Andean region has usually been condemned as a simple addiction to cocaine as discussed by the authors, but the persistence of the practice is viewed in terms of economics, and it is concluded that coca plays a role in Andean life which is not related to simple addictive properties.
Abstract: The use of coca leaves in the Andean region has usually been condemned as a simple addiction to cocaine. This paper summarizes a series of studies in the southern Andes which consider the biological and economic motivations of the users. It is suggested that consumption of leaves is limited to avoid the undesirable effects of large doses of cocaine, while the smaller doses received are beneficial in certain aspects of the arduous life at high altitude. The persistence of the practice is viewed in terms of economics. It is concluded that coca plays a role in Andean life which is not related to simple addictive properties.
38 citations
TL;DR: The synthetic theory of evolution requires the reconstruction of the behaviors of past populations, and such reconstruction cannot be neatly packaged, and the primitive systems of the brain will find support for the opposite sides of almost any question.
Abstract: The synthetic theory of evolution requires the reconstruction of the behaviors of past populations, and such reconstruction cannot be neatly packaged. In this situation the primitive systems of the brain will find support for the opposite sides of almost any question. As individuals, we have the need to feel that what we do is "real, true, and important" and this has a profound influence on our supposedly scientific attitudes. At the present time no theory of the evolution of the canine complex is fully adequate. Futile debate comes from the illusion of scientific proof and from the emotional needs of contesting individuals. IN THE LATEST NUMBER of the Yearbook of Physical Anthropology (1973) Brace suggests that the degree of sexual dimorphism was much greater among the very early men (australopithecines) than among the more recent members of the family. In the same volume, only a few pages later, Pilbeam and Zwell conclude that sexual dimorphism cannot account for the variability of the same fossils. The study of human evolution is full of examples such as this. Scientists with access to the same information often arrive at opposite conclusions. Such disagreements are usually blamed on methods and inadequate data. It would appear that the important causes of many of these conflicts are the illusion of science, reliance on description, and the peculiarities of the human mind. We are caught in traditions which inevitably produce conflict and slow progress in our understanding of evolution. The history of theories of human evolution is filled with examples of competent scientists, with access to the same facts, drawing different conclusions, and then becoming involved in acrimonious debate often lasting for years. The papers referred to above are clear and follow the accepted scientific mode of presentation. First, the problem is introduced, then data are presented and analyzed, then conclusions are drawn. Opponents' methods are labeled "deplorable" and "explanations... inadequate." Clearly both authors think that their conclusions are useful, have a high probability of being correct, and should be accepted. Both authors are following our culturally determined scientific tradition. This tradition leads us to accept description as fact-in this case, measurements of teeth. Obviously the judgment of whether there were two lineages in the genus Australopithecus (in the broadest sense) or one does not necessarily depend on the dental evidence alone. But even if comparison is restricted to the measurements of length and breadth of the teeth, Wolpoff (1971a:123) has shown that A.
37 citations
TL;DR: The authors characterizes the basic methodological differences in Levi-Strauss' approaches to kinship and to "myth" and suggests how, by concentrating on the kinship/myth distinction, they might constructively refine various structuralist concepts, such as distinctive feature analysis and the logical foundations of the “elementary” kinship structures.
Abstract: The enormous secondary literature which relates Levi-Strauss' comparative studies to different schools of thought has failed sufficiently to emphasize the major discontinuity within his own work. This paper characterizes the basic methodological differences in his approaches to “kinship” and to “myth.” It then suggests how, by concentrating on the kinship/myth distinction, we might constructively refine various structuralist concepts, such as distinctive feature analysis and the logical foundations of the “elementary” kinship structures. Only by concentrating on the few inconsistencies in Levi-Strauss' remarkably coherent corpus of work can an adequate critique of his theories of comparison be commenced.
36 citations
35 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an extension of physiological explanations of voodoo death is augmented with information about neurophysiological research on sensitization, or tuning, of the autonomic nervous system.
Abstract: Extant physiological explanations of “voodoo death” are augmented with information about neurophysiological research on sensitization, or tuning, of the autonomic nervous system. The process of suggestion is defined as incorporating both an automatic and cognitive component in tuned individuals; the significance of autonomic tuning in cause and cure of psychosomatic illness and in voodoo death is explored.
34 citations
33 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an encounter/gestalt workshop at Esalen Institute is discussed as an example of this process, and the data show that the group setting itself has many liminal characteristics.
Abstract: Ritual manipulation of emotion can result in “psychic opening,” a state in which the individual's defenses are suddenly lowered. An individual in this state is vulnerable and suggestible, and major shifts in his psychic configurations can occur. When ritualized psychic opening exists as a part of a cultural event-pattern for the purpose of inducing psychobehavioral transformation in individuals, the process can be considered as a type of rite of passage. An encounter/Gestalt workshop at Esalen Institute is discussed as an example of this process. The data show that the group setting itself has many liminal characteristics.
29 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss two meanings of exploitation, neither of which relates uniquely to peasantry, and pose specific questions about "exploitation" and "surplus", the answers to which would tell us a good deal about what is meant by the exploitation of peasantry.
Abstract: We are very frequently told that peasants are exploited without being told what exactly this means, whether peasant exploitation is confined to peasants, or whether the word exploitation is meant to convey different meanings for different societies This paper discusses two meanings of exploitation, neither of which relates uniquely to peasantry, and poses specific questions about “exploitation” and “surplus,” the answers to which would tell us a good deal about what is meant by the exploitation of peasantry
TL;DR: In this paper, a series of theoretical propositions which give rigorous expression to many of the central ideas in the theory and underlines the predictive power of the concept of ecological generalization are presented.
Abstract: In recent years, refinements and extensions of the theory of sociocultural evolution have not developed at a pace consistent with the theory's potential. It is suggested that the abatement in theory generating activity is due in part to a lack of clarity in the statement of certain fundamental ideas in the now classic Evolution and Culture, edited by Sahlins and Service (1960). The present essay attempts to improve upon their contribution by the clarification, modification, and extension of some aspects of the general theory of sociocultural evolution. The result is a series of theoretical propositions which give rigorous expression to many of the central ideas in the theory and underlines the predictive power of the concept of ecological generalization. The primary implication of this paper is that further development of the theory of sociocultural evolution is likely to proceed only if a greater degree of clarity in definition and increased rigor in the explicit statement of theoretical propositions is adopted as a mode of communication among theoreticians.
TL;DR: The prehistoric archaeology of the Reese River Valley in the central Great Basin strongly indicates that a Shoshonean-like settlement pattern has existed for approximately 4500 years in this vicinity as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The prehistoric archaeology of the Reese River Valley in the central Great Basin strongly indicates that a Shoshonean-like settlement pattern has existed for approximately 4500 years in this vicinity A comparison of the prehistoric demography and ecology with similar patterns among modem primitive groups suggests that the post-marital residence pattern of the prehistoric Shoshoneans was most probably bilateral and rather flexible, as originally suggested by Julian Steward If this interpretation is correct, then it contradicts Elman Service's 1962 hypothesis of patrilocal bands among the preconlact Shoshoneans No attempt is made to confront the ideological models of the prehistoric Shoshoneans, for modern scientific archaeology can presently consider only etic phenomena
If archeologists and ethnologists are to overcome the limitations of their observational fields and contribute to the general field of anthropology, they must develop methods which will allow explanatory propositions regarding the operation of cultural systems to be tested by both archeological and ethnographic data [L R Binford 1968a:269]
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TL;DR: The authors argue that communication problems in post-industrial society arise from cultural differences and differences between lay and technical languages, and that they are a necessary consequence of the loosening of social boundaries and increasing technological specialization.
Abstract: Communication problems in post-industrial society are seen to arise from two interacting factors: cultural differences and differences between lay and technical languages. They are a necessary consequence of the loosening of social boundaries and increasing technological specialization. Thus, they cannot be attributed to cultural or cognitive deprivation. Linguistic anthropology can contribute to a general theory of communication which may re-orient research paradigms and predict the social effect of the communication gap.
TL;DR: It is concluded that a single species taxonomy will fit the available evidence and that greater precision in their application is warranted.
Abstract: Ecological concepts have been applied to lower Pleistocene hominid evolution for several years (e.g., Mayr 1951; Robinson 1963; Weiss 1972; Wolpoff 1971). In this paper the major ecological hypotheses are reviewed and their rationale considered in light of prevalent theories on speciation. This review suggests that the hypotheses are central to an understanding of taxonomy and that greater precision in their application is warranted. Allopatric and sympatric distributions of australopithecine populations are discussed. It is concluded that a single species taxonomy will fit the available evidence.
TL;DR: The authors argued that the stance taken in Reinventing Anthropology would not only undermine anthropology as a systematic field of inquiry but would also negate whatever relevance the discipline might have to the contemporary world.
Abstract: Anthropology, the contributors to the recent volume Reinventing Anthropology tell us, is suffering from severe hardening of the intellectual arteries. In order for it to be revitalized, they say, the discipline must be de-professionalized and de-institutionalized, made more personal and existential. This involves a rejection of the pose of “objectivity” and “value-free” inquiry and an open admission of the inherently ideological nature of the discipline. In a word, anthropology will have to become politically and morally partisan. This essay explores some of the implications of the recommendations made by the reinventors of anthropology. The stance taken in Reinventing Anthropology, this paper contends, would not only undermine anthropology as a systematic field of inquiry but would also negate whatever “relevance” the discipline might have to the contemporary world.
TL;DR: In this article, the significance of both the economic and the historical contexts of the Gusii and the Luo kinship systems is emphasized, as well as the importance of kinship and other systems in society.
Abstract: The Nilotic Luo of Kenya, in contrast to the Nuer, experienced considerable land scarcity. They responded with increasing hostility as much to their affines as to the colonial power which had enclosed land. Exclusive local patrilineages emerged, expressing themselves in collective feuding, litigation, and ritual toward immediate ancestors. A similar process seems to have occurred among the sociologically similar neighboring Bantu-speaking Gusii. THE KINSHIP SYSTEMS of the Gusii and the Luo have been analyzed with the precision and elegance characteristic of the British school of social anthropology, and the relationships of the various parts of those systems have been laid out in great detail (Mayer 1949; Southall 1952). The present paper attempts a task other than the examination of the connectedness of internal components. It seeks rather to emphasize the significance of both the economic and the historical contexts of the Gusii and the Luo kinship systems. Kinship and other systems in society tend to have the properties both of being in a steady state and of being irreversible in their processes. According to general system theory (Bertalanffy 1968:124-125) these are the main characteristics of open systems, distinguished from closed systems by being constantly dependent on inputs derived from the environment. The "environment" of the Gusii and Luo kinship systems includes both the traditional economy and outside historical forces. A large number of African cultures are dependent on both livestock and cultivation. That the two together constitute the customary material basis of a society does not necessarily require that the resource properties or the organization and management of the two are similar. The two resources may indeed be competitive, as in situations in which the best pastures are either too close to or too far from the cultivation plots. A more intriguing possibility is that efforts are made to keep the two in a complementary relationship, as when crops are used for immediate subsistence, and livestock, perhaps distributed by its owners over a wide area, is essentially kept for long-term security. Furthermore, it would not be surprising to find that in the social organization necessary for the running of such a mixed economy the kinsmen with whom one has rights and obligations over livestock are not always identical with the kinsmen with whom one has rights and obligations over land. In a recent article examining the relationship between kinship and economics among the Nuer (Glickman 1971; see also Okamura 1972) I argued that Nuer social relationships and group membership, including co-residence, are not based on the selective principle of descent
TL;DR: In this paper, the similarities between modern adult humans and human newborns and classic Neanderthals are discussed, and the similarities confirm the observation that we made concerning the similarities that exist between classic Neanderthal and newborn humans.
Abstract: Since Carlisle and Siegel bring up a number of wide ranging questions we thought it best to structure our reply in a number of parts which, though related, address specific issues. (1) We are indebted to Carlisle and Siegel for pointing out a number of similarities that obtain between modern adult humans and human newborn, and classic Neanderthal. These similarities reaffirm the observation that we made concerning the similarities that exist between classic Neanderthal and newborn humans. Vl1ek (1970) independently arrived at the same conclusion in his com-
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue for the importance of economy in the analysis of sociocultural development and argue that the economic viewpoint must be holistic enough to uncover the intricate web of interaction.
Abstract: Japanese, however, is yet to be seen. There are indications in the growing citizens' movements to curb industrial destruction of the environment, disenchantment with the social irresponsibility of the oligarchic interests, increasing governmental supports for the aged, and, more recently, violent riots by the public at the work-to-rule action of a major railway workers' union that the attitudes of the Japanese, especially those in large urban centers, are indeed gradually moving toward what seem to be Western parallels. By pointing to these indications, I do not imply that Japan will eventually transform into another Western type society. I do insist, however, that modem industrialism, aimed at the control of an ever expanding world market, cannot but effect certain profound social conflicts and subsequent changes in people's outlook that characterize many Western societies. This outlook may be neither totally Western nor purely Japanese, however they are to be reconstructed, but some mixture, amalgam, or synthesis of the two. In short, I argue, in contrast to Professor Hsu, for the importance of economy in the analysis of sociocultural development. The relationship between values and industrialization may appear more complicated elsewhere in the non-Western world, however. The complication arises chiefly from the indisputable fact that today the non-Western societies are confronted with the task of industrialization in the presence of and competition with highly developed industrial economies, mainly of the West. Industrialization is no longer an isolated or autonomous process, and powerful Western (and Japanese!) capital is establishing industries all over the world. The non-Western societies that are yet to shake off the colonial past are therefore faced with the increasing danger of deepening underdevelopment and satellite status. In these conditions, we may very well be presented with a case in which all the major industries of a society are of foreign origin, while the people who work for them draw little benefits to alter and improve their life. We must arm ourselves against the possibility of using a case of this sort as evidence for the coexistence of industrialism and a nonWestern value system. To conclude, the economic viewpoint must be holistic enough to uncover the intricate web of interaction
TL;DR: Acheson as discussed by the authors gave an interesting account of innovation and economic development through mechanized carpentry in the Tarascan village of Cuanajo, Michoacin, Mexico Although, as I will show, he overlooks or fails to give sufficient weight to several factors that played key roles in this success story.
Abstract: In "Limited Good or Limited Goods? Response to Economic Opportunity in a Tarascan Pueblo," Acheson (1972) gives an interesting account of innovation and economic development through mechanized carpentry in the Tarascan village of Cuanajo, Michoacin, Mexico Although, as I will show, he overlooks or fails to give sufficient weight to several factors that played key roles in this success story, his basic description is an important contribution to our understanding of innovation in peasant communities But, in attempting to relate his findings to analyses made in other west central Mexican communities, he seriously misinterprets several of us who have written about these communities, thereby raising doubts about the credibility of his analyses In his theoretical-comparative paragraphs Acheson takes issue with what he describes