Marcelino Sosa

The Value of the Person in the Guahibo Culture (Sil International Publications in Ethnography, Vol 36) Marcelino Sosa

Describes the ever-increasing penetration of the majority culture among the Guahibo in eastern Colombia.

Describes their economic system and shows how this penetration has affected their views of the value of the person versus the value of money and possessions. Recounts three historical periods of Guahibo economic and social life: when people were of ultimate value; the early stages when Guahibos began to know money and the disorientation it caused; and the recent years where money and possessions are essentia and the value of people have become less important. Details the confusion and difficulties that resulted from this melding of two cultures. Was originally printed in Spanish in 1984 as El valor de la persona en la economía guahibo.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Traditional Economy
1. People of the Plains
2. Guahibo Economic Resources
3. Agricultural Production and the Division of Labor
4. Distribution of Goods

Part 2: Interference by a Foreign Economic System
5. Introduction of a Foreign Economic System
6. Three Socioeconomic Systems
7. Negative Effects on Guahibo Culture
8. Problems and Failures Resulting from not Understanding the White Man's System

Part 3: The Direction the Guahibo Community Must Take
9. Developing Understanding
10. Specific Suggestions to the Guahibo People

Epilogue
Appendix 1: Glossary of Spanish and Guahibo Words
Appendix 2: Guahibo Poetry
References