article

Acquiring status in Guajiro society

Anthropological quarterly • 33 • Published In 1960 • Pages: 115-127

By: Santa Cruz, Antonio.

Abstract

This work is based on field research undertaken by the author, a professional anthropologist, during a twenty-six day trip to the Goajira Peninsula in august and September of 1958. The author shows in this study how the acquisition of social, economic and political status in Goajiro society differs from its traditional form, based on a cattle oriented economy, compared to the present-day method of acquiring such status. As an illustration of the above, two case histories are presented showing the traditional means of obtaining a position of high status and prestige in the clan organization of the society, one through the inheritance of such a position, and the other through appointment to leadership by a council of elders. These are then contrasted to the case history of a modern Goajiro who obtained a ranking political post in the society through his own efforts and irrespective of clan organization. This illustrates clearly how leadership and its attendant status roles may be attained today without affiliation with any clan—a definite break with the traditions of the past.

HRAF PubDate

2012

Region

South America

Sub Region

Northwestern South America

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle ; 1961: John Beierle; 2011

Field Date

1958

Coverage Date

1958

Coverage Place

Guajira Peninsula, Colombia and Venezuela, South America

Notes

Antonio Santa Cruz

Includes bibliographical references (p. 127)

LCCN

32029126

LCSH

Goajiro Indians