Abstract

MASSONE M, MAURICIO  and  PRIETO I, ALFREDO. WHALES AND DOLPHINS IN SELK`NAM WORLD: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC APPROACH. Magallania [online]. 2005, vol.33, n.1, pp. 25-35. ISSN 0718-2244.  doi: 10.4067/S0718-22442005000100002.

Known ethnographic records of the importance of the cetaceans in the Selk`nam world are presented and discussed. Records on this matter pertaining to the neighboring Yámana and Kawéskar are likewise presented. For the analysis of the Selk`nam information, we used information provided by travellers, missionaries, colonists and ethnologists, as well as Selk`nam objects found in museums. We conclude that the stranding of whales and dolphins were events of special interest for the Selk`nam that had a deep impact in their economy, social organization and cosmovisión

Keywords : Tierra del Fuego; Selk`nam; hunter-gatherers; cetaceans; rites; mythology.