Title
Handbook of the Indians of California, with 419 Illustrations and 40 Maps (Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of American Ethnology,New
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The Indians of California, in their ethnographic present, offered the widest cultural range to be found in any area of the United States. In the north they approximated the cultures of the Northwest Coast; in the center they developed distinctive, elaborate cultures based on local food supplies; and in the south and east they approximated the more primitive desert groups all in all showing a host of adaptations within a relatively small geographical area. In addition, despite successive decimations by missionaries, colonial administrations, settlers, and exploiters, enough Indians survived (though sometimes only a couple of each group) to make their study possible. For these reasons they have long been an important topic in anthropological circles.Far and away the most important work ever prepared about this complex situation was the monumental Handbook of the Indians of California by Kroeber. Based on more than 15 years of exhaustive research by Kroeber, it is a summation of just about everything of importance known about these Indians. Kroeber covered demographic situations, linguistic relations (which are also extraordinarily complex), social structures, folkways, religion, material culture, and whatever else was needed to offer a full picture of each tribe. The resulting book is a survey of each group, the typologically more important groups like the Yurok, Pomo, Maidu, Yokuts, and Mohave naturally receiving the most detail. Indispensable for every student of the American Indian, it can be read with great profit by both specialists and lay readers.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main focus of the Handbook of the Indians of California? A: The Handbook of the Indians of California primarily focuses on the ethnographic study of the various Native American tribes in California, detailing their cultures, social structures, languages, and adaptations to their environments.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of the Handbook of the Indians of California is A. L. Kroeber, a prominent anthropologist known for his extensive research on Native American cultures.
- Q: How many pages does this book contain? A: The book contains a total of 1120 pages, providing a comprehensive overview of California's Native American tribes.
- Q: Is this book suitable for both specialists and general readers? A: Yes, the Handbook of the Indians of California is suitable for both specialists in anthropology and general readers interested in learning about Native American cultures.
- Q: What kind of illustrations and maps are included in the book? A: The book includes 419 illustrations and 40 maps that enhance the understanding of the cultural and geographical contexts of the Native American tribes discussed.
- Q: When was the Handbook of the Indians of California published? A: The Handbook of the Indians of California was published on February 29, 2012.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This edition of the Handbook of the Indians of California is available in paperback binding, making it accessible and easy to handle.
- Q: What topics are covered in the book regarding Native American tribes? A: The book covers various topics including demographic situations, linguistic relations, social structures, folkways, religion, and material culture of the Native American tribes in California.
- Q: Can this book help in understanding the cultural adaptations of California Indians? A: Yes, the Handbook of the Indians of California provides detailed insights into the cultural adaptations of California Indians, showcasing the diversity and complexity of their societies.
- Q: What is the significance of this book in anthropological studies? A: The Handbook of the Indians of California is considered a monumental work in anthropological studies due to its thorough research and comprehensive presentation of the diverse cultures of Native American tribes in California.