Indigenous peoples -- Northwest Coast of North America, Indigenous peoples -- British Columbia, British Columbia, North America -- Northwest Coast of North America 

"The essays in this book deal with the life and society of the Indians of the North America. These Indians represent a unique and fascinating culture featuring a highly accentuated system of social ranking.

The interpretation of the behaviour and institutions of the British Columbia Indians has long engaged the attention of some of the world's most eminent anthropologists. This volume brings together writings on the subject by such authorities as Franz Boas, Philip Drucker, and Edward Sapir. Conflicting interpretations of behaviour, especially arising from attempts to explain that unique custom of the North Pacific Coast Indians — the Potlatch — are clearly revealed in the selections. Thus the reader is given a rare opportunity to understand the culture of one of the most interesting groups among the Indian peoples of Canada." -- Back cover.