The Value of the Person in the Guahibo Culture

Describes the ever-increasing penetration of the majority culture among the Guahibo (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.