| OCR Text |
Show 78 The second question is answered in terms that the Indian population depends substantially on agricultural activities; but only less than one half of it owns land, while the rest work as tenants, share-croppers and labourers. Few families by tradition or cultural change are engaged in the small or local industries (pottery, basketry, ropes, palm, woolen hats, cotton and wool dresses), and some adult men have already entered wage earning groups or a paid labor force for highway and building construction. The digging-stick, the hoe and the "machete" are common in Meso-America while the plough pulled by oxen is seen more often in the highlands of South America. Corn, beans, and chili peppers are the main crops in the former region. Potatoes, quinua, wheat, and barley are abundant in the latter, while tubercules, roots and tropical seeds constitute the staple food in the dense forest. The single family (father, mother, and children) is the common social unit and mating is generally monogamous, regionally endogamous and locally exogamous. Polygamy is sometimes practiced, and residence is largely patrilocal. There exist (Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru) lineages, clans and "ayllus", and the politico-geographic units vary from a small "rancheria" to a large "town." Leadership is rare and political control is in the hands of the "principales," a group of adult men who are experts on the supernatural and esoteric world and its ceremonial practices. The father constitutes by large the head of the household and women are rarely seen in the "front seat." The father plans the sons' wedding though an "ambassadeur" or mediator makes the necessary arrangements. The "sirvinakuy" or trial marriage is practiced only in the andean region. Godparents and baptism are more generalized in South America, and adult socio-economic life begins between 12-14 years old. The image of a Catholic saint serves as a symbol of unity and ethnocentrism around which the male groups, and occasionally adult females, perform their religious activities. A quite rigid "ladder" is followed sometimes; every step up meaning a great deal of economic investment. Thus, social prestige and religious and political power is achieved, and the higher posts are held in esteem since they are re-sponsibles of the moral order. However, this general pattern is losing attractiveness. New orientations in the native cultures are focused around the practical side of life and some other stimuli such as better education and friendship. Generally the house is rectangular, small and has no separate compartments. Difference consists more in the type of material used: stone, adobe, wood, reed and palm or straw leaves for the walls, while roofs are made with tiles, brick, wood, and palm. Windows and ventilation are rare, and the floor is generally of earth. Sleeping places are close to the fire, and meals are served near these sites. The household furnishings include pots, gourds, baskets, wooden tables, chests and stools, straw mats, and in Mexico and Guatemala a griddle to toast "tortillas." Candles and kerosene flares provide |
