The Canela : Kinship, Ritual and Sex in an Amazonian Tribe (Case Studies in Cultural Anthropology)

Rating:
Summary: Interesting topic
Review: While I found this book fascinating overall, the writing was rather dry. At times the ethnographer's naivety and bias are somewhat disturbing, but he is ultimately successful in conveying a vivid picture of the Canela. I would recommend this book soley because the topic is very interesting and offers an interesting cross-cultural study.

Rating:
Summary: Great ethnography about a very facinating people.
Review: William and his wife Jean are very successful in executing a both interesting and seemingly accurate investigation of the Canela. Like Chagnon's book Yanomamo, but less harmful,Crocker's, The Canela keeps the reader reading. The introduction sets the scene well and the historical context chapter is helpful in understanding the tribe and its origin. The following chapters on bonding through kinship, ritual and sex are easily understood. I also enjoyed the epilogue which answered a few of my questions on the Canelas current state. All in all, a successful ethnography.