A Survey of Indian Assimilation in Eastern Sonora, 1959

Mexico Indigenous Peoples

Ephemera and pamphlets

[Mexico] [Anthropology] Hinton, Thomas B., A Survey of Indian Assimilation in Eastern Sonora. Tucson: University of Arizona. No. 4, 1959. Black and white illustrations. 4to. 31 pages. Staple bound wrappers. The purpose of this bound research paper is to survey eastern Sonora in attempt to determine what remains of the aboriginal groups to each area. The author, having affiliations with the University of California, Los Angeles, directly surveyed native peoples and their lands through field work between 1955-1956. Three illustrated maps show the then modern state of Sonora which highlight the approximate location and towns of the indigenous peoples; Opatas, Jovas, and Lower Pimas as they were in 1678 shortly after Spanish missionization. The first chapter is dedicated to socio-racial classifications in Sonora, with uses of terms based on the appearance of how native to white an individual is and how it affects their status. Such terms that have been deemed controversial yet still used today are "Mestizo", "Inditio", and "Blanco". The second chapter dedicates itself to understanding the historical background and current culture of the Opatas and Jovas people. It goes on to discuss their agricultural roots before the colonization of Spaniards, and draws comparisons to neighboring tribes such as the Piman and Cahita. It also covers the missionization and Christianization of the local tribes, stating that the Opata tribe was less inclined towards conversion, yet the modern populace was found overwhelmingly to identify as Mexicans rather than Sonorans. A black and white photograph shows an elderly Opata woman weaving a traditional basket. The chapter further discusses the ceremonies kept by the people and showcases some traditional Feriseo masks used in a ceremonial dance. The final chapters of this paper go in depth about the modern distribution of each tribe throughout various villages and rancherias they reside in. Many photographs show their hand built dwellings, and photographs of the interviewed locals. Toning to front and back covers, one stain on the top right cover corner, otherwise pages are clean and crisp. Overall very good condition A fascinating research paper on a then largely overlooked indigenous populace.

Item #20876

Price: $225.00