book chapter

The Terena and the Caduveo of Southern Mato Grosso, Brazil

United States Government Printing Office • (9) • Published In 1949 • Pages: vi, 72 , plates

By: Oberg, Kalervo.

Abstract

This brief monograph outlines the changes in Terena culture resulting from contact and interaction with the Caduveo, other Indians who are culturally different from the Terena, and eventually with Brazilian culture. The changes in social structure are presented through discussion of the economy, kinship, social stratification, religion, recreational activities, and life cycles of Chaco days and present-day Terena in southern Mato Grosso, Brazil. Case histories of various individuals representing different occupational groups and intensive data on the village of Bananal are included 'in order to obtain more intimate understanding of present-day Terena.' However, there is little explanation of the sampling or other research techniques used. The author simply indicates that the present-day data is based on field work, while the data of the historical period was taken from Spanish, Portuguese, and French documents, in addition to the Handbook of South American Indians. The sections on economy and religion are more adequately covered than the other sections. This source provides a useful way to orient oneself to the culture and especially to place future research in its historical and changing context.

HRAF PubDate

2010

Region

South America

Sub Region

Southern South America

Document Type

book chapter

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Hesung C. Koh ; 1965: John Beierle; 2009

Field Date

1946-47

Coverage Date

1750-1947

Coverage Place

Southern Mato Grosso, Brazil

Notes

Kalervo Oberg ; prepared in cooperation with the U. S. Dept. of State as a project of the Interdepartmental Committee on Scientific and Cultural Cooperation

Includes bibliographical references (p. 69)

Omitted from the file: pages 52-68 and plates 12-24 containing data on the Caduveo

LCCN

49046383

LCSH

Guana Indians

Terena Indians

Caduveo Indians