Author
Robert Harry Lowie
1883-1957
Robert Harry Lowie (1883-1957) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by Robert Harry Lowie
Culture & Ethnology
"Culture & Ethnology" by Robert H. Lowie is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work aims to popularize ethnology by explaining cultural phenomena through a series of lectures delivered in 1917 at the American Museum of Natural History. It discusses fundamental concepts of culture, including its relationship with psychology, race, and environment, emphasizing that culture is a complex construct defined by the behaviors, beliefs, and practices acquired by humans in society. The opening of the text presents Lowie's intent to clarify the concept of culture within the framework of modern ethnological work, directly addressing the significance of culture and its applicability to both primitive and contemporary societies. Lowie underscores that while psychology provides insights into individual behavior, it falls short of fully explaining cultural phenomena, which are often collective and shaped by societal influences rather than innate traits. Thus, he sets the stage to explore various determinants of culture, intending to distinguish between the innate and learned behaviors that comprise cultural identities.
Societies of the Kiowas
"Societies of the Kiowas" by Robert H. Lowie is an anthropological study written in the early 20th century, specifically published in 1916. The book delves into the social structures and organizations of the Kiowa tribe, focusing on the various men's and women's societies that played a pivotal role in their cultural identity and community interactions. In this work, Lowie explores the distinct characteristics and functions of multiple Kiowa societies such as the Rabbits, Shepherds, and the Black Feet among others. Each society has its unique traditions, memberships, dances, and ceremonies, reflecting the tribe's warrior ethos and social hierarchies. Through firsthand accounts and field research conducted with Kiowa informants, the author paints a detailed picture of these societies, emphasizing their importance in maintaining social order and cultural continuity within the Kiowa community. The book serves as a rich resource for understanding the complexities of tribal life, rituals, and the communal responsibilities that shaped the identities of the Kiowa people.