Vom Roroima zum Orinoco

Theodor Koch-Grünberg (1872–1924) was a noted German ethnologist and explorer whose work on the indigenous peoples of Brazil and Venezuela is still referred to by anthropologists, ethnologists and linguists today. His most important publication was this five-volume account of his expedition of 1911–1913 from the sandstone mountains bordering Brazil, Venezuela and Guyana through uncharted territory westwards to the Orinoco. Volume 3 describes the material and spiritual culture of a number of tribes, focusing mainly on the Taulipáng (Taurepan) but also covering the Shirianá, Waika, Yekuaná and Guinaú. Topics covered include family life, health, clothing, hunting and fishing, crafts, warfare, belief in spirits, magic and ritual. The book contains an appendix on music, with descriptions of instruments, consideration of musical form and style, and transcriptions of melodies and songs taken from audio recordings. It is illustrated by numerous photographs and sketches.