An Evaluation of Early Descriptions of Carolinian Culture
Lessa, William A. (1962). "An Evaluation of Early Descriptions of Carolinian Culture". Ethnohistory. 9 (4): 313. doi:10.2307/480458. ISSN 0014-1801.
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Abstract: Discusses the variation in content due to the backgrounds of the documentarians, noting the unique insights these historical narratives provide that more formal reports might overlook. The documents are regarded as invaluable for understanding aspects of demography, human biology, folklore, and ethnology, among other disciplines. While they cannot replace modern ethnographic accounts, they serve as partial substitutes for lost cultural records.
The paper emphasizes the usefulness of these documents in providing chronological markers essential for testing hypotheses about population dynamics, cultural change, and social evolution. The author regrets the necessity of presenting the data piecemeal and acknowledges the impossibility of achieving comprehensive coverage due to the complexity and the author’s own limitations, yet aims to draw attention to the benefits of consulting well-documented sources.
The document further discusses specific accounts, such as those of Finsch and Sharp, on the nature of Carolinian voyages, highlighting that while many voyages were short and purposeful, there are instances of longer journeys being documented. Additionally, the paper notes how a single documentary source offers evidence of the use of double canoes in Micronesi.
Despite imperfections in population estimates from these documents, their value in historical investigation is highlighted. The importance of these documents is reiterated as they provide unique ethnographic insights into cultural practices and social structures, offering both a time-bound snapshot and a broader understanding of the Carolinian way of life.
Extra details:
QID: Q124441307 MAG: 2324970645 OpenAlex: W2324970645 CorpusID: 163771273
