Chapter 8. The Ethnographic Data

Extract

Before discussing the fit of the Birhor ethnographic data to our model of hunting-gathering society, a few observations are in order to indicate the frequency and distribution of ethnographically known hunting peoples who do, or do not, appear to fit the model. To do this, I shall rely primarily on the surveys of Steward (1936), Service (1962), Lee and DeVore (1968), Damas (1969), and Bicchieri (1972).

Since the objective of this investigation was the intensive investigation of a single test case, no broadly comparative analysis of ethnographies of other hunting societies will be given. I would like to suggest, however, that, if such a comparative survey were undertaken, the observance of three or four strictures in interpreting the data would lead to differing conclusions about some societies now considered exceptions to the patrilocal, patrilineal model.