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Special • Mana 28 (2) • 2022 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-49442022v28n2a101   copy

The lowland South America culture area: towards a structural definition1 1 Since this paper was first presented in 1973 I have changed my mind on certain points. This is the result of new ethnographic data and of discussion with other people, in particular those who have contributed to this volume. I am grateful to many of them who replied to my letters with information, advice and criticism. The one major change involves my view concerning the position of the Gê-speaking peoples. I had originally argued that they should be included with the Tropical Forest culture; I now argue that they should not.

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

Abstract

This article, originally written in 1973 and published here for the first time, argues that, despite their evident cultural variety, the Indigenous societies of lowland South America share an invariant structural characteristic that define them as a ‘culture area’. This characteristic is a two-line relationship terminology articulated by a principle of direct exchange. An analysis of a wide range of societies from the region reveals this invariant characteristic within their terminological differences. The article is preceded by a short introductory note written specifically for this publication.

Key Words:
Lowland South America; Culture Area; Two-line relationship terminology

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