Tahitians and the Nootka :: essays papers

Tahitians and the Nootka To Compare these two groups, the Tahitians and the Nootka one must consider that there are considerable similarities but there are certain differences which allow them to be set apart. The Tahitians set themselves apart as evolved and fit the model for intensive farmers, since they are blessed with the rich soil and adequate rain fall. The Nootka too, are somewhat in the scope but they are still categorized as hunter-gatherers. This can be explained in many different ways, the Tahitians climate allows for them to wear less clothing, as it is quite tropical. The Nootka have to go through a chilly North America climate though there is still warm air from Japan. The Nootka land provides them with big game and this can give them warmth in colder days. This account for some of their hunter instinct. The Tahitians are more focused on cultivating their land which, as opposed to that the Nootka. They both cultivate their land to accommodate their needs and fish intensively as a mean of subsistence. Their similarities run way deeper than just these habits based upon the ecological model of culture it will simplify the and also the differences. The most obvious difference is in the language and population density of them two. The Tahitians numbered about 100,000 whereas the Nootka are only around 6000 or a little more. As far as nutrition goes the diet is similar in fish, the Tahitians though are excellent farmers and can cultivate the land very well. The Nootka because of their ecological surroundings are able to hunt game as well as fishing and their unmatched ability to store food makes them a successful hunter gatherer society. Technologically, the two share similarities in that they both are good woodwork. They use wood tools do to the lack of metal. Their tools are complex but limited. Stone, shells, bones and wood make up the materials used for tools, the other materials available are the grass, the branches of the coconut trees for example. Their tools include harpoons and series of hooks and line for fishing. For construction stone drills, wedges and adzes, however the Nootka have hunting weaponry such as bow and arrow, spears and traps for hunting game. They both posses the skill of carpentry, they build houses and make boats and also paper with great skill and workmanship. The Tahitians provide separate housing for the chief and their homes are made by the top carpenters whereas the housing scheme of the Nootka.