INDIANS OF PERU^ 



By CHARLES C. EBERHARDT 

 American Consul at Iquitos, Peru 



(With Two Plates) 

 Introduction 



The difificulty experienced in obtaining reliable information 

 relative to conditions in general in the region about Iquitos, 

 leads me to believe that the results of certain studies I have made 

 regarding the Indians of Peru may be of some value and interest to 

 others. 



I had hoped to make a more thorough study of this interesting 

 subject from actual observation among the different tribes, obtain- 

 ing specimens of their weapons of warfare, their clothing, utensils, 

 etc., but ill health has prevented any systematic work along these 

 lines. I have been fortunate, however, in having been able to make 

 several trips among different tribes with Mr. George M. von Hassel, 

 thus gaining first hand a limited amount of information on the sub- 

 ject, but the greater part conies from Mr. von Hassel himself, who, 

 it seems to me, is probably one of the best authorities on the subject 

 and one highly qualified to speak regarding these Indians. Mr. von 

 Hassel has had long experience in the interior of Peru. During the 

 last ten or twelve years he has lived for months at a time with 

 various tribes, speaks the Quechua language and many other dia- 

 lects, and by gaining their confidence has been able to mingle freely 

 with the Indians, gaining an insight into their customs, methods, 

 and manner of living such as few white men have enjoyed. 



The accompanying photographs were taken by the French ex- 

 plorer Robushon, who spent a number of years among different 

 tribes. Among his experiences was his romantic marriage with an 

 uncivilized Indian girl, whom he met in the forest one day roaming 

 about entirely nude and alone, her father and mother and others of 

 the tribe of which she was a member having died of some pestilence. 



* Consular report to the Department of State, transmitted to the Smith- 

 sonian Institution by the Department. Dated Iquitos, Peru, November 30, 

 1907. Slightly abridged and several illustrations omitted. 



