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Show 205 fruits. Both the creation and the emergence motifs existed in Peru and were combined by the priests into a single myth (Vira-cocha makes men and sends them to their respective countries by underground ways so that they might emerge to the surface from caves or lakes). In some mythologies, women are said to have been created separately from men (Chaco tribes, Wapishiana, etc.). The story of the mythical eggs from which the first men were hatched occurs only on the coast of Peru and among the Maya Indians. Origin of agriculture: The first plants were given to mankind by the Culture Hero or some helpful animal. They were also stolen from a stingy owner. A most interesting motif is the one which associates the food plants with the body of some Culture Hero or of some mysterious being. The Hero may shed plants whenever he is beaten or the plants grow from organs of his body after he or she has been killed and buried. The concept of natural death seems to have been foreign to most South American tribes, witchcraft being held responsible for it as well as for all the evils which beset mankind. The Shipaya Indians say that the length of a man's life is proportionate to his magical knowledge which permits him to frustrate the plots of the visible and invisible enemies. Demons and spirits are immortal because of their superior mastery of magical arts. The mythology attributes the introduction of death to the Culture Hero (The mythical brothers of Ona and Yaghan traditions) or to a mistake made by the first men (Shipaya). The motif of the message of immortality which was misunderstood by men, but not by various animals (serpents, insects) that hereafter changed skins and did not die, seems to be of African origin. It is found mainly among Amazonian tribes who have probably been influenced by Negroes (Cashinaw, Tamanaka, Mestizoes of the Silmoes, etc.). Foster, George M. (Estados Unidos), "Museos Etnograficos al Aire Libre Para las Americas," America Indigena, VIII, No. 2 (April, 1948), Mexico, D.F., pp. 89-94. English summary: The author suggests that the idea of the Scandinavian open air regional museum be applied to the portrayal of ethnic materials in each of the American countries. Such museums would consist of an ethnographical park containing homes, furnishings, outbuildings, and tools and utensils typical of each important ethnic group of the country. To this park would be brought people from each region, to live for short periods of time, to continue as nearly as possible with their normal daily routines. In addition to wearing characteristic clothing and caring for the houses, they would make pottery, basketry, |