| OCR Text |
Show 176 both local and foreign scientists. Various interesting articles on this project have appeared in this magazine on previous occasions, for example: "Anthropology and the Unesco Pilot Project of Marbial," by A. Metraux (America Indigena, IX: 183-194), and "La Infancia campesina en el Valle del Marbial, Haiti," by Jeanne G. Sylvain, (idem. IX: 299-332). At the present time other zones have occupied the interest of young Haitian ethnologists, and in this issue we present a study of the food habits of the Kenscoff region, located about twenty kilometers SE of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Because of the comprehensive scope of this work, and the many diverse specific details it includes, it would be impossible to synthesize it in a few lines. In addition to a description of the physical environment, and the manner in which the rural inhabitants carry out such important living functions as harvesting, hunting and fishing, the major part of this work is devoted to the enumeration, attainment and preparation of various foods, both vegetable and animal. This study, principally of dietetical interest, is of important ethnographic value for Haitian anthropology, because of the numerous data on customs and superstitions, etc., which it contains. Lewis, Oscar (United States). "The Effects of Technical Progress on Mental Health in Rural Populations," America Indigena, XII (October, 1952), pp. 299-307. Summary in Spanish, article in English. The relation among the technical progress and the mental health, is for no reason, simple, direct or obvious. The technical progress can convey results that are good, bad, or indifferent for the mental health, depending on the social structure in which it is developed, and of the historical circumstances particular of its introduction. Ricketts, C. A. (Peru). "El Cocaismo En El Peru," America Indigena, XII (October, 1952), pp. 309-321. The use of coca was restricted under Inca rule, but it became general after the Conquest and has increased progressively ever since-at an average of 130,000 kgs. per year since 1930. In 1950 the net production was 9,000,000 kgs. monthly, used mostly in coca chewing, and containing, 64,285 kgs. of cocaine, or over 64 tons! The amount used by the whole world legitimately is less than one tenth this amount-5,208 kgs. "Coca is worth 5.50 soles per kg. and the value of 6,500,000 kgs. would be 357,500,000 soles per annum in circulation" (UNO). The Indians spend 70,000,000 soles (nearly $5,000,000) in chewing and |
