Re: Amerindian navigators and Eurocentrism in scholarship

[hgibbons@spamproof.stic.net (Hugh Gibbons)]

In article <341882ec.8815698@nntp.ix.netcom.com>, matts2@ix.netcom.com
(Matt Silberstein) wrote:

> >       It is also of interest that using rafts clearly demonstrates
> >naval skills so primitive that they are the only examples of their
> >use. 
> >
> I am sorry, but I really disagree about this. I think the prevalence
> of rafts off South America stems more from the presence of balsa. If
> you have balsa, you don't make a standard style ship and if you have
> oak, you don't make a raft.

Right.  An interesting parallel example is that Egyptians used to 
build boats out of bundles of reeds, which float just as well as
balsa wood.  They also made rafts, or barges in this way.  The
more conventional *looking* boats were made for better maneuverability.
I think in Peru there are also indians who make similar reed boats.
The key factor is the availability of these easier to use materials.

-- 
*                     NO                         *
*          I will not send you money.            *
*       I do not want to buy your product.       *
*     I am not interested in your business.      *
* I will not participate in your pyramid scheme. *