ANTHROPOLOGIC LITERA TURE 563
composite genesis of the tribe) frequently incongruous, different families reckoning descent from diverse lines of mythical ancestry ; and these family traditions constitute important hereditary possessions, which are carefully reckoned as the most highly valued property in arranging marriage, adoption, etc. These family traditions are given tangible form in crests, akin to those of European heraldry, and in ceremonial masks, in which the Bella Coola are peculiarly rich. Naturally the prom- inence of the family tradition is reflected in the social organization. The tribe is at present endogamic— though the extensive admixture of culture and blood betokens alien affiliation, at least in past generations. The record, as a whole, bears inherent evidence of unusual thorough- ness of inquiry, and exceptional appreciation of primitive characteris- tics ; the author was evidently interested in equal measure in the philology, mythology, and sociology of the tribe, and fully mindful of their esthetic and industrial characteristics ; accordingly, the treat- ment is a model of completeness. On the whole, the Bella Coola afford a peculiarly instructive example of Amerindic mythology ; and the value of the example to the anthropologists of the world is enhanced to the highest standard by Dr Boas' thorough treatment. His mono- graph seems destined to become a classic in American anthropology.
W J McGee.
Anthropologic des Anciens Habitants de la Region Calchaquie (It/pub- lique Argentine), par Herman F. C. ten Kate. (Anales del Museo de la Plata, Seccion Antropol6gica, 1.) La Plata : 1896. Folio, 62 pp., 17 pi.
In the introduction the author tells us that the Calchaqui region is in the northwestern part of Argentina, and comprises a large part of the provinces of Catamarca, Tucuman, Salta, and Jujuy. It is a high, mountainous region, and it is now arid ; but it shows evidences of hav- ing been once fertile and well populated with a prosperous race who had made considerable advances in architecture, agriculture, metal- lurgy, weaving, ceramics, and other useful arts. Ancient ruined cities and fortresses abound in the region. Interment was conducted in several different ways, depending, it is thought, on the different social conditions of the deceased. The decay of this civilization is supposed to be due, in part, to conquest and in part to climatic changes. The present aboriginal inhabitants of the region, few in number, possess some characteristics of the ancient people and are supposed to be their mixed descendants.
The work is devoted chiefly to a description of the human bones found in the Calchaqui region, and this has been achieved in the careful,
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