Araucanians.The chief Indian race of Chili, possessing an ancient civilisation like those of Peru and Mexico, though less advanced. The Araucanians are probably the finest native race of the New World. They are a fierce and warlike people, who have always preserved their independence.Arawaks.A group of South American Indian tribes in the Guianas, including Maypuris, Wapisianas, Atorais and others.Arcadians.A race of ancient Greece, inhabiting the central highlands of the Peloponnesus, whose seclusion from the world caused them to be identified with the quality which we still call Arcadian simplicity.Arecunas.SeeCARIBS.Argentines.White natives of the Argentine Republic in South America, mainly of Spanish descent.Argives.Natives of Argos, the most important state of Homeric Greece: hence a generic term for Greeks or Hellenes in the Homeric Age. Achæans is another term similarly used.Armenians.Natives of Armenia, the mountainous country round Mount Ararat, now divided between Russia, Persia, and Turkey. They belong to the Iranian stock of the Aryan family, blended with Semitic blood, and with a still older unknown but probably non-Aryan element. They are not warlike, but of quick intelligence and specially successful in commerce.Arnauts.SeeALBANIANS.Aryans.The most important family of Caucasic Man, to which all the chief civilisations of modern times belong. A tall, fair-skinned, long-headed race, whose origin is still doubtful—though it was probably in Central Asia—and who spread in prehistoric times over the whole of Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. Almost all modern Europeans are of Aryan descent. The family is also called INDO-EUROPEANor INDO-GERMANIC, but these names are open to objections from which the term Aryan is free.Ashantis.SeeTSHI.Assamese.Natives of Assam, between India and Burma, belonging to the Hindu stock of the Aryan family.Assinaboins.SeeSIOUAN.Assyrians.One of the main branches of the Semitic family. The Assyrians founded a great empire in the northern part of Mesopotamia, of which Nineveh was the capital, and afterwards conquered the older Babylonian state (710B.C.) and Egypt (671B.C.), thus forming the first world-empire known to history. Within a century Assyria had become a Median province, and its people ceased to have an independent existence.AthabascanorTinney. A group of North American Indian tribes, formerly inhabiting Alaska and the greatest part of Canada. It includes the Apaches, Chippewayans, Hupas, Kutchins, Navajos, Tacullis, and Umbquas.Athenians.The most important race of ancient Greece, whose city of Athens was the earliest centre of civilisation in the historical age of Europe.Australians.The aborigines of Australia, a branch of the Oceanic Negro family. Their numerous tribes present a general uniformity of physical and mental development, under which two main types may be recognised. The earlier of these is probably that shown by the extinctTasmanians(q.v.), one of the lowest races in point of culture yet discovered, who were probably still in the earliest stage of the Stone Age. The other type was perhaps akin to the Dravidians of India, or to a very low Caucasic race. The Australians are among the lowest of savage races, and present many features which have thrown light on the manners, customs and beliefs of primitive man.Australians.White inhabitants of Australia, mostly of Anglo-Saxon descent.Austrians.Inhabitants of the Austrian empire, including a great diversity of races. The name is properly applied only to the German-speaking people, of High-German Teutonic stock, who predominate in Austria proper.Auvergnats.Natives of Auvergne, in Central France. A short, sturdy, dark, round-skulled race, formerly regarded as typical Aryan Celts, but possibly descended from an older non-Aryan people. Much employed in Paris as porters.Avars.SeeLESGHIANS.Avars.A Tartar tribe, belonging to the Turki stock of the Northern Mongolic family, who appeared in the district round the Caspian Sea about the fourth century, and later made predatory raids over a large part of Eastern Europe. They were subdued by Charlemagne, and disappeared from history in the ninth century. They seem to have been closely allied to the Huns, whom they resembled in physical characteristics and warlike qualities.Awawandias.Bantu Negroes of the Nyassa plateau in British Central Africa.Aymaras.A race of South American Indians in Bolivia, probably related to theIncas(q.v.) and perhaps their ancestors.Azandeh, orNiam-Niam. Sudanese Negroes of the Welle group. Notorious cannibals.Aztecs.The dominant Indian race in Mexico at the arrival of the Spanish invaders. They entered the country about the end of the thirteenth century, and founded the city of Mexico in 1325. Around it they reared a remarkable civilisation and a sanguinary religion. They were warlike, ferocious and cruel, but had a considerable aptitude for the arts of peace. Their empire was destroyed by Cortes in 1521, and annexed to Spain. Every trace of Aztec nationality was suppressed, but their name still lingers among the Nahuan Indians, and their blood is mixed with that of the conquerors. Many attempts have been made to find an Old World origin for Mexican culture, but they are not convincing.Babylonians.The Semitic race which founded one of the greatest of ancient civilisations in the rich alluvial plains of Chaldæa and on the arid plateau of Mesopotamia. Their history is too long to summarise here, but it may be stated that the Semitic peoples, variously known as Babylonians, Chaldæans, Elamites, Medians, and Assyrians, invaded and dispossessed at different times the primitive Mongolic race ofAkkads(q.v.). Their earliest settlement seems to have been at Ur of the Chaldees, on the right bank of the Euphrates. Babylon and Nineveh were afterwards the seats of the Babylonian and Assyrian powers, whilst Elamite and Median conquerors intervened at various times. These powerful Semitic races made great advances in art, science, literature, religion, and social policy. Their first incursion, probably from Arabia, into the Euphrates Valley dates back to about 3800B.C.Baggaras.A fierce and warlike race settled in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, and formerly dominant under the Mahdi.Baghirmis.SeeLAKECHADGROUP.Bakairi.SeeCARIBS.Bakatla,Bakwena. Bantu Negroes of Bechuana stock.Bakwiri.Bantu Negroes settled in the Cameroons.Balinese.A Malayan race of the East Indian Archipelago.Balolo.Bantu Negroes of the Middle Congo; one of the finest negro races.Balong.Bantu Negroes of West Africa.Baltis.A hardy Tibetan race, inhabiting the Alpine valley of the Upper Indus.Baluba, orBasonge. A dominant Bantu Negro race of the Kassai basin in Equatorial Africa.Baluchis, orBeluchis. Natives of Baluchistan, south of Afghanistan, of Iranian (Aryan) descent, with a mingling of Tartar (Mongolic) blood. The dominant race of the country is the Brahui, aboriginals who are probably of Mongolic descent, allied to theDravidians(q.v.) of India. The Brahui are of Mongolic type, short, with round flat faces, hospitable and generous. They are the more settled portion of the inhabitants. The Baluchis are chiefly nomads, taller, with more Aryan features, a warlike and predatory people.Balunda.Bantu Negroes of South Central Africa, occupying the Congo-Zambesi divide.Bamangwato.Bantu Negroes of north Bechuanaland; Khama’s semi-civilised people.Bambaras.SeeMANDINGAN.Banandi.Bantu Negroes of apish type, in the Semliki forests.Bangalas.Bantu Negroes of Middle Congo, on the Ubangi river.Bantus.One of the two subdivisions of the African Negro family of Ethiopic Man, occupying the southern half of the African continent, south of the Cameroons and Albert Nyanza. A Negro race modified from the Sudanese type by Hamite influences.Banyai.Bantu Negroes, south of the Middle Zambesi.Banyoro.SeeWANYORO.Bapedi.Bantu Negroes of Bechuana stock.Bareas.Sudanese Negroes inhabiting the Abyssinian slopes.Barguzins.SeeBURIATS.Baris.SeeNILITICGROUP.Barolongs.Bantu Negroes of Bechuana stock, between Vryburg and Molopo river. Mafeking is their capital.Barotse.Bantu Negroes of Bechuana stock, about headwaters of Molopo river.Barrés.South American Indians in Venezuela and Guiana.Basés.Sudanese Negroes of Abyssinian slopes, a very low negroid type.Bashkirs.A branch of the Turki stock of the Northern Mongolic family. They are first mentioned in the tenth century as a warlike and idolatrous race, noted for their large, round, short heads, from which their name is derived. They now inhabit the Orenberg and Perm districts of Russia, on the western slopes of the Ural. Some are settled agriculturists, others pastoral nomads.Bashukulumbwe.Bantu Negroes of Kafue basin in Zambesia.BasimbaorCimbebas. Aboriginal Negroes of South Angola; a low Bantu type, or possibly Negrito, allied to Bushmen.Basonge.SeeBALUBA.Basques.One of the few non-Aryan races still existing in Europe, where they inhabit the districts on the French and Spanish sides of the Western Pyrenees. They originally occupied a much wider area in this neighbourhood, and preserve their ancient costume and language. Their ethnological affinities are still in dispute, but the best opinion is that they represent the ancientIberians(q.v.), a Western Hamitic race, related to the Berbers of North Africa on the one hand and to the Picts of Scotland and the ancient Irish on the other. Probably they have occupied their present home since Neolithic times. They are mainly agriculturists, with all the rustic virtues, and make excellent soldiers and servants.Bassas.SeeLIBERIANGROUP.Bastaards.SeeGRIQUAS.Bastarnæ.SeeGOTHS.Basutos.The most civilised race of Bantu Negroes, of the Bechuana stock, who inhabit the rugged uplands of Basutoland, a British Crown Colony. They have long been subjected to European and Christian influence, under which they have presented the sole instance of a pure negro community, which has made itself self-supporting and approximately civilised. They have succeeded in assimilating Western culture, and their little State—which always preserved its independence against other natives and Boers—is a very flourishing example of what the negro can do under favourable auspices.Batanga.Bantu Negroes of the Cameroons.Batavi.An ancient German race inhabiting the island formed by the Meuse and an arm of the Rhine. Ancestors of the modern Dutch.Bateke.Bantu Negroes of Congo, above Stanley Pool.Batjans.SeeINDONESIAN.Batlapi.Bantu Negroes of Bechuana stock, near Vryburg.BatongaorBatoka. Bantu Negroes of Zambesia, Manicaland and Tongaland.Battaks.A pre-Malay race of North Sumatra, probably allied to thePolynesians(q.v.).Batwas.Apygmy(q.v.) Negrito race south of Congo, allied to Bushmen.Batwanas.Bantu Negroes of North Bechuanaland.Bavarians.A branch of the High German stock of the Teutonic family, in Bavaria.Bayansis.Bantu Negroes of Middle Congo, on Kwa River. Strong negro element.Bechuanas.A main stock of Bantu Negroes, occupying what is known as British Bechuanaland. The name is of European origin, and has no native significance as applied to the race, but is a convenient general term.BedawiorBedouins. NomadicArabs(q.v.) who inhabit the deserts of Arabia and the neighbouring countries, and live by stock-breeding and robbery. Their breed of horses is world-famous. They are independent, chivalrous and hospitable. They correspond to the Biblical Ishmaelites, whose race and customs they preserve practically unchanged.Bejas.A race of Eastern Hamites, of splendid physique, occupying the eastern seaboard of Africa north of Massowah, including Bisharis, Hadendowas, and other tribes.Belgae.The northernmost of the three races occupying Gaul in Cæsar’s time, probably of Low German stock, with perhaps a Celtic element.Belgians.The inhabitants of Belgium, formerly the Spanish or Austrian Netherlands, of very mixed origin. The natives are eitherFlemingsof Teutonic stock, or CelticWalloons(q.v.). Mingled with these are large numbers of German, French and Dutch immigrants; and constant crossing of blood has tended to produce a truly Belgian type out of all these fluctuating elements. They are among the most patient and productive of agriculturists, mostly small proprietors; and they possess flourishing manufactures and a rich commerce through the great port of Antwerp.Beluchis.SeeBALUCHIS.Bengalis.The majority of the natives of Bengal belong to the Hindu stock of the Aryan family, which was probably the first to develop a true civilisation and a great literature (in the ancient Sanscrit tongue). The typical Bengali is quick-witted, versatile, and successful in the arts of peace, but not warlike—though the native army of the old East Indian Company was largely recruited from Bengal. The Bengali Babu, of the professional or lower official class, is well known.Beluchis.SeeBALUCHIS.Benin.SeeNIGERIANGROUP.Berbers.A Western Hamitic race occupying the Atlas Mountains and the Northern Sahara, of predatory and warlike habits. They are known in Algeria as Kabyles, and in Sahara as Tuaregs. Largely dark-haired and swarthy, with prominent noses, they belong to the Melanochroid branch of Caucasic Man. They correspond to the ancient Numidians.Betsimisarakas.One of the three main divisions of the Malagasy, or Malayo-African race which inhabits Madagascar. They occupy the east coast.Bhils.Primitive and still wild non-Aryan inhabitants of Central India, ofKolarian family(q.v.).Bisharis.SeeBEJAS.Blackfoot Indians.SeeALGONQUIAN.Bœotians.A branch of the Æolian race in ancient Greece. The Bœotians were supposed to be peculiarly dull, and were the typical rustic clowns of Greek literature.Boers.White inhabitants of Cape Colony, the Transvaal, and the Orange River Colony, mainly of Dutch descent, with a French Huguenot element and a sprinkling of Negro blood. They were the original colonists of South Africa, which they entered in 1652. A race of farmers (Boer is derived from the Dutch boor, peasant), they also proved themselves to be hardy pioneers and admirable, though not at all romantic, fighters, learning in long native wars the arts of strategy, which they exercised so well against the English in the South African War of 1899–1902. They have now accepted the English rule, and promise to be among our most flourishing African subjects.Bohemians.SeeCZECH.Bolivians.White natives of Bolivia in South America, of Spanish descent, with a considerable admixture of Indian blood.Bongos.SeeNILITICGROUP.Botocudos.South American Indians on eastern seaboard of Brazil.Brahui.SeeBALUCHIS.Brazilians.White natives of Brazil, mainly of Portuguese descent, but with a considerable admixture, in many districts, of Indian and negro blood.Bretons.Natives of Brittany, descended from a short, round-headed, dark race, generally called Celtic, but perhaps pre-Aryan.Bribris.South American Indians of Costa Rica.Britons.(1) The ancient Britons were a Celtic race, whose remnants are still to be found in theWelsh(q.v.). They attained a considerable degree of civilisation under the Roman conquerors, and adopted Christianity. The Anglo-Saxon conquest of Britain drove most of them back into Wales, Cornwall, and other outlying portions of the island, whilst the remainder were either destroyed or assimilated. (2) In the wide modern sense, Britons are the white citizens of the British Empire.BugisorBuginese. Natives of Boni in Celebes; a primitive Malay race.Bulalas.SeeLAKECHADGROUP.Bulgars.A branch of theFinns(q.v.), who were originally settled on the banks of the Volga. In the sixth century they crossed the Danube and conquered the modern Bulgaria, then occupied by the SlavonicSlovenians(q.v.). A speedy fusion took place between the Slovenians and the Bulgars, who adopted the language and customs of the former, and rose to greatness as a Slav power. In the ninth and tenth centuries they ruled the greater part of the Balkan Peninsula, and warred successfully with the Byzantine Empire, which, however, subjected them in 1019 under Basil II., “the slayer of the Bulgarians.” Later they passed under the Turkish rule, and ceased to have an independent national existence down to the nineteenth century.Bulgarians.Inhabitants of the modern Balkan state of Bulgaria, descended from theBulgars(q.v.) with considerable admixtures of Greek and Turkish blood.Bulloms.SeeTEMNÉGROUP.Burgundians.An ancient people of Teutonic race (High German), who were originally settled between the Oder and Vistula. In the fifth century they invaded Gaul, where they formed the first kingdom of Burgundy, between the Aar and the Rhone. There were many later Burgundian kingdoms and duchies, of which the last and most famous was that of Charles the Bold, annexed to France in 1477. The Burgundians are now French subjects, but still show traces of their Teutonic origin.Buriats.The Western or Siberian branch of the Mongol stock of the Northern Mongolic family. They occupy the vicinity of Lake Baikal The majority are nomad pastors, but some have taken to agriculture. A peace-loving, but lazy and drunken people; they include various tribes, such as the Barguzins, Selengese, Idinese, Kudaras and Olkhonese.Burmese, orBurmans. A short-statured, thick-set and flat-featured people, approaching the Chinese type, the principal race of the Indo-Chinese stock of the Southern Mongolic family. They inhabit Burma—now a British possession—and are excitable, turbulent, and given to dacoity, or highway robbery. They make goodfarmers and shopkeepers, but are not warlike or methodical.Burus.SeeINDONESIANS.Bushmen.A nomadic Negro race of South Africa, who stand at the lowest stage of human culture. They are probably the aborigines of South Africa, where they have been dispossessed by Hottentots and Bantus from the north. They are thin and wiry, of small stature, not unlike the Hottentots in colour and features. They live by hunting, and possess a curious mythology. Their artistic powers, comparable to those of Palæolithic Man, are shown in the remarkable rock-drawings on the walls of their caves.Calchaquis.South American Indians, in Plate River district.Cambojans.Natives of Cambodia, Mongoloid approaching Caucasic type.Canaanites.One of the main branches of the great Semitic family, inhabiting Palestine and the Mauritanian sea-coast in ancient times, includingJews,Phœnicians,Carthaginians,Moabites,Amorites,IdumæansandPhilistines(q.v.). A fierce and warlike people, with a remarkable genius for religion, which has greatly influenced the modern world.Canadians.White natives of Canada, of mixed French and Anglo-Saxon descent.Caribs.South American Indians, formerly occupying the West Indian Islands, and now the shores of the Caribbean Sea, including Macusi, Bakairi, Akawai, Arecuna, and Rucuyenne tribes. They are strongly built, warlike and fierce, but honourable. The term cannibal is supposed to be a corruption of their name based on their habits.Carthaginians.Natives of one of the great empires of the ancient world, which was founded at Carthage, near the modern Bizerta, by Phœnician colonists in the ninth centuryB.C., and was destroyed by Rome in 146B.C.Carthage was the great rival of Rome as a Mediterranean power. Its inhabitants belonged to the Canaanite stock of the Semitic family, and were a nation of traders, cruel and gloomy in temperament, worshippers of Moloch with human sacrifices. Though in Hannibal they produced one of the greatest of generals, they were not warlike, and trusted chiefly to mercenaries, wherefore they fell.Catalans.Natives of North-east Spain, mostly of Gothic descent, and still distinct from other Spaniards in language and costume. Honest and enterprising, turbulent, and intensely devoted to liberty.Caucasians.One of the families of Caucasic Man, inhabiting the mountainous region of the Caucasus, and divided into southern, western, and eastern branches [seeGEORGIANS,CIRCASSIANS,CHECHENZES,LESGHIANS]. They include a great number of different tribes, who seem to have settled there from the earliest historical times. Some of these, the Melanochroid highlanders, like the Georgians, Circassians, and Lesghians, present an almost ideal standard of physical beauty, whilst others are squat and ungainly. Some ethnologists see in the Caucasus the primitive home of the Aryan family, from whom the Caucasians would, on this view, be an offshoot. TheOssets(q.v.) are certainly Aryan. The Caucasians are very warlike, and struggled till quite recently with success against the Russian domination.Caucasic.One of the four great divisions of the human race. Type, white-skinned, square-jawed (orthognathous), skull between broad and long (mesocephalic), hair soft, straight, or wavy; in intelligence, enterprise, and civilisation, much superior to other divisions.Cayugas.SeeIROQUOIAN.Celts.SeeKELTS.Chakhars.A branch of Eastern Mongols, settled on the south-east boundary of the Desert of Gobi.Chaldæans.SeeBABYLONIANS.Chamorros.Aborigines of the Ladrone Islands, so named from their thievish propensities. A branch of the Oceanic Mongolic family, probably allied to theFormosans(q.v.).Chancas.SeeINCAS.Chaudors.A nomad tribe inhabiting the steppes east of the Caspian and south of the Oxus. SeeTURKOMANS.Chapogirs.SeeTUNGUSES.Charruas.An extinct race of South American Indians in South Brazil, peculiar for their extremely black colour with lank hair.Chechenzes.A branch of the Eastern stock of the Caucasian family, inhabiting the northern slopes of the Eastern Caucasus. Their chief tribes are Ingushis, Kishis, and Tushis.Cheremisses.SeeFINNS.Cherokees.A brave and warlike tribe of North American Indians. SeeIROQUOIAN.Cheyennes.SeeALGONQUIAN.Chibchas.South American Indians of Bogota.Chichimecs.SeeNAHUANS.Chickasaws.SeeMUSKHOGEANS.Chilians.White natives of Chili, of Spanish descent, with a mixture of Araucanian Indian blood.Chinese.One of the most numerous races of the world, inhabiting the Chinese Empire. They are a stock of the Southern Mongolic family, and it is thought by some ethnologists that they are descended from the MongolicAkkads(q.v.) of Mesopotamia. There is a remarkable uniformity in the physical type presented by the Chinese in all climates and environments; they are the most homogeneous of great peoples. They are yellow-skinned, short in stature, with obliquely set eyes, high cheek-bones, long skulls, and broad faces, with slight prognathism. They possess an ancient and highly organised civilisation, which is characterised by its conservatism and slowness to accept new ideas—so different in this from the Japanese. The Chinese are naturally frugal, industrious, and patient; they are excellent agriculturists, and very gregarious; they despise war, but make excellent soldiers when drilled by Europeans or Japanese. They are eminently literary, and have a high system of morality. There are many local varieties, such as the Puntis of the Canton districts, the Hakkas of Swatow, the Hoklas of Fohkien, theDungans(q.v.), which need not be farther particularised.Chinooks.A nearly extinct tribe of North American Indians on the Columbia River, on whose language is based the Chinook jargon, or traders’ Lingua Franca of British Columbia.Chins.SeeSINGPHOS.Chippewayans.SeeATHABASCAN.Chiquitos.South American Indians of Upper Paraguay basin.Chiriguanos.South American Indians of Bolivia.Chitralis.Natives of Chitral, in the Hindu Khush, rough, hardy hillmen, closely allied to theKafirs(q.v.) of Kafiristan.Chocos.A tribe of South American Indians of Matto Grosso.Choktaws.SeeMUSKHOGEAN.Chontals.Central American Indians of Nicaragua.Chols.SeeMAYA-QUICHÉ.Chorasses.SeeKALMUKS.Chorotegans.Central American Indians of Nicaragua.Chukchis.A Northern Mongolic race of North-east Siberia, closely akin to the American Eskimo in features and customs. They are of high character and very independent, but at a low stage of civilisation, and live by reindeer-breeding and hunting. A branch of the Chukchis, differing mainly in language, is known as the Koryaks.Chunchos.South American Indians on tributaries of Beni River in Peru.Cimbebas.SeeBASIMBA.Circassians, orTcherkesses. A race of Caucasian mountaineers, formerly inhabiting the Black Sea coast between Anapa and Pitzunta, of high physical type, who maintained an unavailing struggle against Russia till 1864, when their subjugation was followed by a wholesale emigration of the Circassian tribes to the Turkish Empire. Allied to them are theAbkhasiansandKabards(q.v.).Colombians.White natives of Colombia, in Central America, mostly of Spanish descent, with an admixture of Indian and negro blood.Comanches.SeeSHOSHONEAN.Conibos.South American Indians of Peru.Copts.Christian descendants of the ancientEgyptians(q.v.), of middle stature, slender limbs, and pale complexion, who inhabit Egypt, and preserve the language and customs of the last period of ancient Egyptian civilisation. They are essentially townsmen, clerks, or artisans.Coras.SeeOPATA-PIMA.Cornish.A race of Brythonic or P Celts, akin to Welsh and Bretons, inhabiting Cornwall in earlier times; now absorbed in English stock. Their language became extinct in seventeenth or eighteenth century. The crossing of the Cornish Celts with Anglo-Saxons has given birth to a singularly fine race of hardy fishermen and miners.Corsicans.The aborigines of Corsica were probably a Western Hamitic race, allied to theLigurians(q.v.). They were followed by Ionian invaders, and in turn by Carthaginian, Roman, Vandal, Hun, Gothic, Saracenic, and Italian conquerors, each of whom has added something to the mixture of blood in the modern Corsicans, a turbulent, lawless, and warlike race (now belonging to France), whose greatest son was Napoleon.Costa Ricans.White natives of Costa Rica, in Central America, mostly of pure Spanish descent.Crees.SeeALGONQUIAN.Creek Indians.SeeMUSKHOGEAN.Creoles.Persons born in past or present French, Spanish, or Portuguese colonies, of pure European descent.Cretans.An ancient race of prehistoric culture [seeMYCENÆANS]; in modern times chiefly Greek, mixed with Turk.Croats.Inhabitants of Croatia, now mainly of Slavonic race, mingled with an earlier short, dark race of non-Aryan descent. One of the motley races of the Austrian Empire. They are warlike, turbulent, and eager for independence.Cro-Magnon.A prehistoric race settled in the Vezere district of France, which may be taken as the primitive type of Caucasic Man. It is only known by a few skulls and other relics, and probably dates back to the Glacial Period.Crow Indians.SeeSIOUAN.Cymry.SeeWELSH.Czechs, orBohemians. The most westerly branch of the Slavonic stock of the Aryan family, now occupying Bohemia, Moravia, and other parts of Austria. They are closely allied to the Slovaks of Hungary. They migrated from the Upper Vistula district to the modern Bohemia in the fifth century. Long an independent kingdom, and a bulwark of Christendom against the Turks, Bohemia passed to Austria in 1526. During the last century there has been a great recrudescence of the Czech nationality and language. The Czechs as a race are very musical and artistic.Daflas.A Tibetan race inhabiting the northern border of Assam.Dahomans.SeeEWE.Dakotas.SeeSIOUAN.Dalmatians.A Southern Slavonic race, crossed with Gothic blood. A fine race of hardy seamen, they manned the Venetian fleets, but now belong to Austria.Damaras, orHau-Khoin. SeeHEREROS.Danakils, orAfars. An Eastern Hamitic race settled in the vicinity of Obock, between Abyssinia and the Red Sea. They are nomad pastors and fishermen, well-built, and slender.Danes.Natives of Denmark, belonging to the Scandinavian stock of the Aryan family. Denmark was originally inhabited by the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, who colonised England. On their departure, the Danes from Zealand settled on the deserted lands, and there reared the kingdom which still exists. The early Danes were brave warriors and skilled seamen, who for a time ruled Saxon England under Canute. Their descendants, of comparatively pure blood, preserve these characteristics, and are also industrious agriculturists.Dards.A warlike and hardy race of Aryan descent, inhabiting the mountainous country around Gilgit, in North-west India, of whom the Hunzas and Nagars are the chief tribes.Dargos.SeeLESGHIANS.Delawares.A North American Indian race with whom William Penn dealt in the 17th century: now fairly civilised. SeeALGONQUIAN.Didos.SeeLESGHIANS.Dinkas.SeeNILITICGROUP.Dogras.An Aryan race in the Punjab, between the Chinab and the Ravi, who contribute excellent soldiers to the British Native Army.Dorians.SeeHELLENES.Dravidas, orDravidians. Indigenous non-Aryan inhabitants of South India, including the Telingas or Telugu of the Nizam’s Dominions, the Tamils of Karnatic and Ceylon, the Kanarese of Mysore, the Malayalim of Malabar Coast, those wild hunters the Gonds of Vindhya Hills, the Sinhalese of Ceylon, and perhaps theVeddahs(q.v.). A Mongoloid race originally, which has been assimilated to the Caucasic type by long intermixture of blood.Druses.A brave, handsome and industrious white race, who have been settled in the Lebanon district of Syria for at least 800 years, and owe their unity to the possession of a special religion. Their origin is uncertain, but they are probably of a mixed stock, to which Arabs, Kurds, and Persians have all contributed. They are fair-haired and of light complexion. They are very warlike, have always preserved their independence against the Turks, and are the inveterate enemies of theMaronites(q.v.).Dungans.Southern Mongolic inhabitants of Zungaria, between Tian-Shan and Altai. Allied toChinese(q.v.).Durbats.SeeKALMUKS.Duranis.SeeAFGHANS.Dyaks.The aborigines of Borneo, probably akin to theMalays(q.v.), whom they resemble physically, though of greater average stature. They are active and warlike, and formerly indulged in the practice of head-hunting, now dying out. The Sea-Dyaks were bold and inveterate pirates. They possess a considerable degree of indigenous civilisation, and their moral character is very fine.Easter Islanders.(1) SeePOLYNESIANS. (2) Easter Island once possessed an older race of inhabitants, now extinct, who have left very remarkable traces in the shape of numerous colossal statues, thin-lipped and disdainful, standing on platforms of Cyclopean masonry, as well as many stone houses with thick walls, painted on the inside. Nothing farther is known of their race or history.Ecuadorians.White natives of Ecuador, in South America, of Spanish descent; noted for their laziness and political instability.Edomites.SeeIDUMÆANS.Egbas.SeeYORUBAS.Egyptians.(1) The ancient inhabitants of Egypt—known to them as Khem, the Biblical Mizraim—who reared one of the oldest and most important civilised states of the ancient world. The aborigines of Egypt were apparently a Palæolithic branch of Ethiopic Man, allied to the modern Bushmen. They were dispossessed and practically exterminated, probably about 7000B.C., by a slender, fair-skinned race of European type, belonging to the Hamitic family, and resembling the modernBerbers(q.v.) in many respects. These were probably the same as the ancientLibyans(q.v.). Later this race was modified by the introduction of a Semitic element, partly from Syria, partly from the Phœnician conquerors who founded dynastic rule in Egypt under Menes, between 5000 and 4000B.C.Their later history is written on their imperishable monuments, and need not be summarised here. In later times the Egyptian racial type was modified by Greek and Roman influence. The ancient Egyptians were highly skilled in agriculture and engineering, warlike but not aggressive, and with a highly developed literature and religion. (2) The modern Egyptians are partly descended from the ancient Egyptians, whose racial type as represented on the monuments is still to be found in purity, mingled with Bedouin Arabs, Turks, Syrians, and other races. SeeCOPTSandFELLAHIN.English.Natives of England; used in a wider sense as equivalent to citizens of the British Empire [SeeBRITONS,ANGLO-SAXONS]. The English people are a Low German branch of the Teutonic stock of the Aryan family, with a faint Celtic element derived from the primitive Britons, a strong Scandinavian element (especially in the north-east), derived from the invading Danes and Norsemen in the ninth to eleventh centuries, and a considerable Norman element—Norse modified by French culture. The typical Englishman is white-skinned and fair-haired, belonging to the Xanthochroi, but there are many deviations due to modifying influences. The race is eminently warlike and aggressive, and makes the most successful colonisers known to the world.Erie Indians.SeeIROQUOIAN.Erse.SeeIRISH.Eshi-Kongo.A semi-civilised race of Bantu Negroes, belonging to the ancient Kongo Empire, now Portuguese West Africa.Eskimos, orInnuits. An Arctic aboriginal race, now inhabiting Greenland and the northern coasts of the American continent. They are nomadic, live by hunting and fishing, and are inured to extremes of cold. They are very broad-headed, fat, and of short stature, with flat quasi-Mongolic features. They seem to occupy a place midway between the North American Indian and the Mongolic type, and there is some reason to suppose that they represent a prehistoric Mongoloid incursion from Northern Asia, or perhaps from Indo-Malaysia.Esthonians.A branch of BalticFinns(q.v.) settled in Esthonia, and possessing an ancient ballad literature and mythology.Ethiopians.An ancient Berber tribe, settled in Egypt at least 5,000 years ago, now represented by the fair Berbers of Mauritania. Homer called them “blameless,” because he knew so little about them. SeeNUBIANS.Ethiopic.One of the four great divisions of the human race, occupying Africa, Australia, and many islands of the Eastern Ocean. Its members are typically black-skinned and woolly haired, with projecting jaws and broad skulls.Etruscans.An ancient Italian people, inhabiting Etruria in North Italy in pre-Roman times. They probably consisted of an aboriginalPelasgian(q.v.) race, modified by a dominant race of invaders, who may have been of Mongolic type, or perhaps akin to theHittites(q.v.). The Etruscans may be classed as Hamitic. They had a distinctive civilisation, and made great progress in art, of which many monuments remain. The Etruscan confederation, of which Veii was the chief city, long warred with the rising power of Rome, under whose dominion it fell in the fourth centuryB.C.Families of undoubted Etruscan descent are still found in North Italy.Europeans.Natives of Europe, mainly Aryan.Ewe.A group of Sudanese Negro tribes of Guinea Coast. The best known are the Dahomans, or natives of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey, on the Slave Coast. Of small stature, but robust and warlike, they are noted for their great human sacrifices and their employment of female warriors or “Amazons.” Now under French rule. The Togos are also an Ewe tribe.
Araucanians.The chief Indian race of Chili, possessing an ancient civilisation like those of Peru and Mexico, though less advanced. The Araucanians are probably the finest native race of the New World. They are a fierce and warlike people, who have always preserved their independence.
Arawaks.A group of South American Indian tribes in the Guianas, including Maypuris, Wapisianas, Atorais and others.
Arcadians.A race of ancient Greece, inhabiting the central highlands of the Peloponnesus, whose seclusion from the world caused them to be identified with the quality which we still call Arcadian simplicity.
Arecunas.SeeCARIBS.
Argentines.White natives of the Argentine Republic in South America, mainly of Spanish descent.
Argives.Natives of Argos, the most important state of Homeric Greece: hence a generic term for Greeks or Hellenes in the Homeric Age. Achæans is another term similarly used.
Armenians.Natives of Armenia, the mountainous country round Mount Ararat, now divided between Russia, Persia, and Turkey. They belong to the Iranian stock of the Aryan family, blended with Semitic blood, and with a still older unknown but probably non-Aryan element. They are not warlike, but of quick intelligence and specially successful in commerce.
Arnauts.SeeALBANIANS.
Aryans.The most important family of Caucasic Man, to which all the chief civilisations of modern times belong. A tall, fair-skinned, long-headed race, whose origin is still doubtful—though it was probably in Central Asia—and who spread in prehistoric times over the whole of Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. Almost all modern Europeans are of Aryan descent. The family is also called INDO-EUROPEANor INDO-GERMANIC, but these names are open to objections from which the term Aryan is free.
Ashantis.SeeTSHI.
Assamese.Natives of Assam, between India and Burma, belonging to the Hindu stock of the Aryan family.
Assinaboins.SeeSIOUAN.
Assyrians.One of the main branches of the Semitic family. The Assyrians founded a great empire in the northern part of Mesopotamia, of which Nineveh was the capital, and afterwards conquered the older Babylonian state (710B.C.) and Egypt (671B.C.), thus forming the first world-empire known to history. Within a century Assyria had become a Median province, and its people ceased to have an independent existence.
AthabascanorTinney. A group of North American Indian tribes, formerly inhabiting Alaska and the greatest part of Canada. It includes the Apaches, Chippewayans, Hupas, Kutchins, Navajos, Tacullis, and Umbquas.
Athenians.The most important race of ancient Greece, whose city of Athens was the earliest centre of civilisation in the historical age of Europe.
Australians.The aborigines of Australia, a branch of the Oceanic Negro family. Their numerous tribes present a general uniformity of physical and mental development, under which two main types may be recognised. The earlier of these is probably that shown by the extinctTasmanians(q.v.), one of the lowest races in point of culture yet discovered, who were probably still in the earliest stage of the Stone Age. The other type was perhaps akin to the Dravidians of India, or to a very low Caucasic race. The Australians are among the lowest of savage races, and present many features which have thrown light on the manners, customs and beliefs of primitive man.
Australians.White inhabitants of Australia, mostly of Anglo-Saxon descent.
Austrians.Inhabitants of the Austrian empire, including a great diversity of races. The name is properly applied only to the German-speaking people, of High-German Teutonic stock, who predominate in Austria proper.
Auvergnats.Natives of Auvergne, in Central France. A short, sturdy, dark, round-skulled race, formerly regarded as typical Aryan Celts, but possibly descended from an older non-Aryan people. Much employed in Paris as porters.
Avars.SeeLESGHIANS.
Avars.A Tartar tribe, belonging to the Turki stock of the Northern Mongolic family, who appeared in the district round the Caspian Sea about the fourth century, and later made predatory raids over a large part of Eastern Europe. They were subdued by Charlemagne, and disappeared from history in the ninth century. They seem to have been closely allied to the Huns, whom they resembled in physical characteristics and warlike qualities.
Awawandias.Bantu Negroes of the Nyassa plateau in British Central Africa.
Aymaras.A race of South American Indians in Bolivia, probably related to theIncas(q.v.) and perhaps their ancestors.
Azandeh, orNiam-Niam. Sudanese Negroes of the Welle group. Notorious cannibals.
Aztecs.The dominant Indian race in Mexico at the arrival of the Spanish invaders. They entered the country about the end of the thirteenth century, and founded the city of Mexico in 1325. Around it they reared a remarkable civilisation and a sanguinary religion. They were warlike, ferocious and cruel, but had a considerable aptitude for the arts of peace. Their empire was destroyed by Cortes in 1521, and annexed to Spain. Every trace of Aztec nationality was suppressed, but their name still lingers among the Nahuan Indians, and their blood is mixed with that of the conquerors. Many attempts have been made to find an Old World origin for Mexican culture, but they are not convincing.
Babylonians.The Semitic race which founded one of the greatest of ancient civilisations in the rich alluvial plains of Chaldæa and on the arid plateau of Mesopotamia. Their history is too long to summarise here, but it may be stated that the Semitic peoples, variously known as Babylonians, Chaldæans, Elamites, Medians, and Assyrians, invaded and dispossessed at different times the primitive Mongolic race ofAkkads(q.v.). Their earliest settlement seems to have been at Ur of the Chaldees, on the right bank of the Euphrates. Babylon and Nineveh were afterwards the seats of the Babylonian and Assyrian powers, whilst Elamite and Median conquerors intervened at various times. These powerful Semitic races made great advances in art, science, literature, religion, and social policy. Their first incursion, probably from Arabia, into the Euphrates Valley dates back to about 3800B.C.
Baggaras.A fierce and warlike race settled in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, and formerly dominant under the Mahdi.
Baghirmis.SeeLAKECHADGROUP.
Bakairi.SeeCARIBS.
Bakatla,Bakwena. Bantu Negroes of Bechuana stock.
Bakwiri.Bantu Negroes settled in the Cameroons.
Balinese.A Malayan race of the East Indian Archipelago.
Balolo.Bantu Negroes of the Middle Congo; one of the finest negro races.
Balong.Bantu Negroes of West Africa.
Baltis.A hardy Tibetan race, inhabiting the Alpine valley of the Upper Indus.
Baluba, orBasonge. A dominant Bantu Negro race of the Kassai basin in Equatorial Africa.
Baluchis, orBeluchis. Natives of Baluchistan, south of Afghanistan, of Iranian (Aryan) descent, with a mingling of Tartar (Mongolic) blood. The dominant race of the country is the Brahui, aboriginals who are probably of Mongolic descent, allied to theDravidians(q.v.) of India. The Brahui are of Mongolic type, short, with round flat faces, hospitable and generous. They are the more settled portion of the inhabitants. The Baluchis are chiefly nomads, taller, with more Aryan features, a warlike and predatory people.
Balunda.Bantu Negroes of South Central Africa, occupying the Congo-Zambesi divide.
Bamangwato.Bantu Negroes of north Bechuanaland; Khama’s semi-civilised people.
Bambaras.SeeMANDINGAN.
Banandi.Bantu Negroes of apish type, in the Semliki forests.
Bangalas.Bantu Negroes of Middle Congo, on the Ubangi river.
Bantus.One of the two subdivisions of the African Negro family of Ethiopic Man, occupying the southern half of the African continent, south of the Cameroons and Albert Nyanza. A Negro race modified from the Sudanese type by Hamite influences.
Banyai.Bantu Negroes, south of the Middle Zambesi.
Banyoro.SeeWANYORO.
Bapedi.Bantu Negroes of Bechuana stock.
Bareas.Sudanese Negroes inhabiting the Abyssinian slopes.
Barguzins.SeeBURIATS.
Baris.SeeNILITICGROUP.
Barolongs.Bantu Negroes of Bechuana stock, between Vryburg and Molopo river. Mafeking is their capital.
Barotse.Bantu Negroes of Bechuana stock, about headwaters of Molopo river.
Barrés.South American Indians in Venezuela and Guiana.
Basés.Sudanese Negroes of Abyssinian slopes, a very low negroid type.
Bashkirs.A branch of the Turki stock of the Northern Mongolic family. They are first mentioned in the tenth century as a warlike and idolatrous race, noted for their large, round, short heads, from which their name is derived. They now inhabit the Orenberg and Perm districts of Russia, on the western slopes of the Ural. Some are settled agriculturists, others pastoral nomads.
Bashukulumbwe.Bantu Negroes of Kafue basin in Zambesia.
BasimbaorCimbebas. Aboriginal Negroes of South Angola; a low Bantu type, or possibly Negrito, allied to Bushmen.
Basonge.SeeBALUBA.
Basques.One of the few non-Aryan races still existing in Europe, where they inhabit the districts on the French and Spanish sides of the Western Pyrenees. They originally occupied a much wider area in this neighbourhood, and preserve their ancient costume and language. Their ethnological affinities are still in dispute, but the best opinion is that they represent the ancientIberians(q.v.), a Western Hamitic race, related to the Berbers of North Africa on the one hand and to the Picts of Scotland and the ancient Irish on the other. Probably they have occupied their present home since Neolithic times. They are mainly agriculturists, with all the rustic virtues, and make excellent soldiers and servants.
Bassas.SeeLIBERIANGROUP.
Bastaards.SeeGRIQUAS.
Bastarnæ.SeeGOTHS.
Basutos.The most civilised race of Bantu Negroes, of the Bechuana stock, who inhabit the rugged uplands of Basutoland, a British Crown Colony. They have long been subjected to European and Christian influence, under which they have presented the sole instance of a pure negro community, which has made itself self-supporting and approximately civilised. They have succeeded in assimilating Western culture, and their little State—which always preserved its independence against other natives and Boers—is a very flourishing example of what the negro can do under favourable auspices.
Batanga.Bantu Negroes of the Cameroons.
Batavi.An ancient German race inhabiting the island formed by the Meuse and an arm of the Rhine. Ancestors of the modern Dutch.
Bateke.Bantu Negroes of Congo, above Stanley Pool.
Batjans.SeeINDONESIAN.
Batlapi.Bantu Negroes of Bechuana stock, near Vryburg.
BatongaorBatoka. Bantu Negroes of Zambesia, Manicaland and Tongaland.
Battaks.A pre-Malay race of North Sumatra, probably allied to thePolynesians(q.v.).
Batwas.Apygmy(q.v.) Negrito race south of Congo, allied to Bushmen.
Batwanas.Bantu Negroes of North Bechuanaland.
Bavarians.A branch of the High German stock of the Teutonic family, in Bavaria.
Bayansis.Bantu Negroes of Middle Congo, on Kwa River. Strong negro element.
Bechuanas.A main stock of Bantu Negroes, occupying what is known as British Bechuanaland. The name is of European origin, and has no native significance as applied to the race, but is a convenient general term.
BedawiorBedouins. NomadicArabs(q.v.) who inhabit the deserts of Arabia and the neighbouring countries, and live by stock-breeding and robbery. Their breed of horses is world-famous. They are independent, chivalrous and hospitable. They correspond to the Biblical Ishmaelites, whose race and customs they preserve practically unchanged.
Bejas.A race of Eastern Hamites, of splendid physique, occupying the eastern seaboard of Africa north of Massowah, including Bisharis, Hadendowas, and other tribes.
Belgae.The northernmost of the three races occupying Gaul in Cæsar’s time, probably of Low German stock, with perhaps a Celtic element.
Belgians.The inhabitants of Belgium, formerly the Spanish or Austrian Netherlands, of very mixed origin. The natives are eitherFlemingsof Teutonic stock, or CelticWalloons(q.v.). Mingled with these are large numbers of German, French and Dutch immigrants; and constant crossing of blood has tended to produce a truly Belgian type out of all these fluctuating elements. They are among the most patient and productive of agriculturists, mostly small proprietors; and they possess flourishing manufactures and a rich commerce through the great port of Antwerp.
Beluchis.SeeBALUCHIS.
Bengalis.The majority of the natives of Bengal belong to the Hindu stock of the Aryan family, which was probably the first to develop a true civilisation and a great literature (in the ancient Sanscrit tongue). The typical Bengali is quick-witted, versatile, and successful in the arts of peace, but not warlike—though the native army of the old East Indian Company was largely recruited from Bengal. The Bengali Babu, of the professional or lower official class, is well known.
Beluchis.SeeBALUCHIS.
Benin.SeeNIGERIANGROUP.
Berbers.A Western Hamitic race occupying the Atlas Mountains and the Northern Sahara, of predatory and warlike habits. They are known in Algeria as Kabyles, and in Sahara as Tuaregs. Largely dark-haired and swarthy, with prominent noses, they belong to the Melanochroid branch of Caucasic Man. They correspond to the ancient Numidians.
Betsimisarakas.One of the three main divisions of the Malagasy, or Malayo-African race which inhabits Madagascar. They occupy the east coast.
Bhils.Primitive and still wild non-Aryan inhabitants of Central India, ofKolarian family(q.v.).
Bisharis.SeeBEJAS.
Blackfoot Indians.SeeALGONQUIAN.
Bœotians.A branch of the Æolian race in ancient Greece. The Bœotians were supposed to be peculiarly dull, and were the typical rustic clowns of Greek literature.
Boers.White inhabitants of Cape Colony, the Transvaal, and the Orange River Colony, mainly of Dutch descent, with a French Huguenot element and a sprinkling of Negro blood. They were the original colonists of South Africa, which they entered in 1652. A race of farmers (Boer is derived from the Dutch boor, peasant), they also proved themselves to be hardy pioneers and admirable, though not at all romantic, fighters, learning in long native wars the arts of strategy, which they exercised so well against the English in the South African War of 1899–1902. They have now accepted the English rule, and promise to be among our most flourishing African subjects.
Bohemians.SeeCZECH.
Bolivians.White natives of Bolivia in South America, of Spanish descent, with a considerable admixture of Indian blood.
Bongos.SeeNILITICGROUP.
Botocudos.South American Indians on eastern seaboard of Brazil.
Brahui.SeeBALUCHIS.
Brazilians.White natives of Brazil, mainly of Portuguese descent, but with a considerable admixture, in many districts, of Indian and negro blood.
Bretons.Natives of Brittany, descended from a short, round-headed, dark race, generally called Celtic, but perhaps pre-Aryan.
Bribris.South American Indians of Costa Rica.
Britons.(1) The ancient Britons were a Celtic race, whose remnants are still to be found in theWelsh(q.v.). They attained a considerable degree of civilisation under the Roman conquerors, and adopted Christianity. The Anglo-Saxon conquest of Britain drove most of them back into Wales, Cornwall, and other outlying portions of the island, whilst the remainder were either destroyed or assimilated. (2) In the wide modern sense, Britons are the white citizens of the British Empire.
BugisorBuginese. Natives of Boni in Celebes; a primitive Malay race.
Bulalas.SeeLAKECHADGROUP.
Bulgars.A branch of theFinns(q.v.), who were originally settled on the banks of the Volga. In the sixth century they crossed the Danube and conquered the modern Bulgaria, then occupied by the SlavonicSlovenians(q.v.). A speedy fusion took place between the Slovenians and the Bulgars, who adopted the language and customs of the former, and rose to greatness as a Slav power. In the ninth and tenth centuries they ruled the greater part of the Balkan Peninsula, and warred successfully with the Byzantine Empire, which, however, subjected them in 1019 under Basil II., “the slayer of the Bulgarians.” Later they passed under the Turkish rule, and ceased to have an independent national existence down to the nineteenth century.
Bulgarians.Inhabitants of the modern Balkan state of Bulgaria, descended from theBulgars(q.v.) with considerable admixtures of Greek and Turkish blood.
Bulloms.SeeTEMNÉGROUP.
Burgundians.An ancient people of Teutonic race (High German), who were originally settled between the Oder and Vistula. In the fifth century they invaded Gaul, where they formed the first kingdom of Burgundy, between the Aar and the Rhone. There were many later Burgundian kingdoms and duchies, of which the last and most famous was that of Charles the Bold, annexed to France in 1477. The Burgundians are now French subjects, but still show traces of their Teutonic origin.
Buriats.The Western or Siberian branch of the Mongol stock of the Northern Mongolic family. They occupy the vicinity of Lake Baikal The majority are nomad pastors, but some have taken to agriculture. A peace-loving, but lazy and drunken people; they include various tribes, such as the Barguzins, Selengese, Idinese, Kudaras and Olkhonese.
Burmese, orBurmans. A short-statured, thick-set and flat-featured people, approaching the Chinese type, the principal race of the Indo-Chinese stock of the Southern Mongolic family. They inhabit Burma—now a British possession—and are excitable, turbulent, and given to dacoity, or highway robbery. They make goodfarmers and shopkeepers, but are not warlike or methodical.
Burus.SeeINDONESIANS.
Bushmen.A nomadic Negro race of South Africa, who stand at the lowest stage of human culture. They are probably the aborigines of South Africa, where they have been dispossessed by Hottentots and Bantus from the north. They are thin and wiry, of small stature, not unlike the Hottentots in colour and features. They live by hunting, and possess a curious mythology. Their artistic powers, comparable to those of Palæolithic Man, are shown in the remarkable rock-drawings on the walls of their caves.
Calchaquis.South American Indians, in Plate River district.
Cambojans.Natives of Cambodia, Mongoloid approaching Caucasic type.
Canaanites.One of the main branches of the great Semitic family, inhabiting Palestine and the Mauritanian sea-coast in ancient times, includingJews,Phœnicians,Carthaginians,Moabites,Amorites,IdumæansandPhilistines(q.v.). A fierce and warlike people, with a remarkable genius for religion, which has greatly influenced the modern world.
Canadians.White natives of Canada, of mixed French and Anglo-Saxon descent.
Caribs.South American Indians, formerly occupying the West Indian Islands, and now the shores of the Caribbean Sea, including Macusi, Bakairi, Akawai, Arecuna, and Rucuyenne tribes. They are strongly built, warlike and fierce, but honourable. The term cannibal is supposed to be a corruption of their name based on their habits.
Carthaginians.Natives of one of the great empires of the ancient world, which was founded at Carthage, near the modern Bizerta, by Phœnician colonists in the ninth centuryB.C., and was destroyed by Rome in 146B.C.Carthage was the great rival of Rome as a Mediterranean power. Its inhabitants belonged to the Canaanite stock of the Semitic family, and were a nation of traders, cruel and gloomy in temperament, worshippers of Moloch with human sacrifices. Though in Hannibal they produced one of the greatest of generals, they were not warlike, and trusted chiefly to mercenaries, wherefore they fell.
Catalans.Natives of North-east Spain, mostly of Gothic descent, and still distinct from other Spaniards in language and costume. Honest and enterprising, turbulent, and intensely devoted to liberty.
Caucasians.One of the families of Caucasic Man, inhabiting the mountainous region of the Caucasus, and divided into southern, western, and eastern branches [seeGEORGIANS,CIRCASSIANS,CHECHENZES,LESGHIANS]. They include a great number of different tribes, who seem to have settled there from the earliest historical times. Some of these, the Melanochroid highlanders, like the Georgians, Circassians, and Lesghians, present an almost ideal standard of physical beauty, whilst others are squat and ungainly. Some ethnologists see in the Caucasus the primitive home of the Aryan family, from whom the Caucasians would, on this view, be an offshoot. TheOssets(q.v.) are certainly Aryan. The Caucasians are very warlike, and struggled till quite recently with success against the Russian domination.
Caucasic.One of the four great divisions of the human race. Type, white-skinned, square-jawed (orthognathous), skull between broad and long (mesocephalic), hair soft, straight, or wavy; in intelligence, enterprise, and civilisation, much superior to other divisions.
Cayugas.SeeIROQUOIAN.
Celts.SeeKELTS.
Chakhars.A branch of Eastern Mongols, settled on the south-east boundary of the Desert of Gobi.
Chaldæans.SeeBABYLONIANS.
Chamorros.Aborigines of the Ladrone Islands, so named from their thievish propensities. A branch of the Oceanic Mongolic family, probably allied to theFormosans(q.v.).
Chancas.SeeINCAS.
Chaudors.A nomad tribe inhabiting the steppes east of the Caspian and south of the Oxus. SeeTURKOMANS.
Chapogirs.SeeTUNGUSES.
Charruas.An extinct race of South American Indians in South Brazil, peculiar for their extremely black colour with lank hair.
Chechenzes.A branch of the Eastern stock of the Caucasian family, inhabiting the northern slopes of the Eastern Caucasus. Their chief tribes are Ingushis, Kishis, and Tushis.
Cheremisses.SeeFINNS.
Cherokees.A brave and warlike tribe of North American Indians. SeeIROQUOIAN.
Cheyennes.SeeALGONQUIAN.
Chibchas.South American Indians of Bogota.
Chichimecs.SeeNAHUANS.
Chickasaws.SeeMUSKHOGEANS.
Chilians.White natives of Chili, of Spanish descent, with a mixture of Araucanian Indian blood.
Chinese.One of the most numerous races of the world, inhabiting the Chinese Empire. They are a stock of the Southern Mongolic family, and it is thought by some ethnologists that they are descended from the MongolicAkkads(q.v.) of Mesopotamia. There is a remarkable uniformity in the physical type presented by the Chinese in all climates and environments; they are the most homogeneous of great peoples. They are yellow-skinned, short in stature, with obliquely set eyes, high cheek-bones, long skulls, and broad faces, with slight prognathism. They possess an ancient and highly organised civilisation, which is characterised by its conservatism and slowness to accept new ideas—so different in this from the Japanese. The Chinese are naturally frugal, industrious, and patient; they are excellent agriculturists, and very gregarious; they despise war, but make excellent soldiers when drilled by Europeans or Japanese. They are eminently literary, and have a high system of morality. There are many local varieties, such as the Puntis of the Canton districts, the Hakkas of Swatow, the Hoklas of Fohkien, theDungans(q.v.), which need not be farther particularised.
Chinooks.A nearly extinct tribe of North American Indians on the Columbia River, on whose language is based the Chinook jargon, or traders’ Lingua Franca of British Columbia.
Chins.SeeSINGPHOS.
Chippewayans.SeeATHABASCAN.
Chiquitos.South American Indians of Upper Paraguay basin.
Chiriguanos.South American Indians of Bolivia.
Chitralis.Natives of Chitral, in the Hindu Khush, rough, hardy hillmen, closely allied to theKafirs(q.v.) of Kafiristan.
Chocos.A tribe of South American Indians of Matto Grosso.
Choktaws.SeeMUSKHOGEAN.
Chontals.Central American Indians of Nicaragua.
Chols.SeeMAYA-QUICHÉ.
Chorasses.SeeKALMUKS.
Chorotegans.Central American Indians of Nicaragua.
Chukchis.A Northern Mongolic race of North-east Siberia, closely akin to the American Eskimo in features and customs. They are of high character and very independent, but at a low stage of civilisation, and live by reindeer-breeding and hunting. A branch of the Chukchis, differing mainly in language, is known as the Koryaks.
Chunchos.South American Indians on tributaries of Beni River in Peru.
Cimbebas.SeeBASIMBA.
Circassians, orTcherkesses. A race of Caucasian mountaineers, formerly inhabiting the Black Sea coast between Anapa and Pitzunta, of high physical type, who maintained an unavailing struggle against Russia till 1864, when their subjugation was followed by a wholesale emigration of the Circassian tribes to the Turkish Empire. Allied to them are theAbkhasiansandKabards(q.v.).
Colombians.White natives of Colombia, in Central America, mostly of Spanish descent, with an admixture of Indian and negro blood.
Comanches.SeeSHOSHONEAN.
Conibos.South American Indians of Peru.
Copts.Christian descendants of the ancientEgyptians(q.v.), of middle stature, slender limbs, and pale complexion, who inhabit Egypt, and preserve the language and customs of the last period of ancient Egyptian civilisation. They are essentially townsmen, clerks, or artisans.
Coras.SeeOPATA-PIMA.
Cornish.A race of Brythonic or P Celts, akin to Welsh and Bretons, inhabiting Cornwall in earlier times; now absorbed in English stock. Their language became extinct in seventeenth or eighteenth century. The crossing of the Cornish Celts with Anglo-Saxons has given birth to a singularly fine race of hardy fishermen and miners.
Corsicans.The aborigines of Corsica were probably a Western Hamitic race, allied to theLigurians(q.v.). They were followed by Ionian invaders, and in turn by Carthaginian, Roman, Vandal, Hun, Gothic, Saracenic, and Italian conquerors, each of whom has added something to the mixture of blood in the modern Corsicans, a turbulent, lawless, and warlike race (now belonging to France), whose greatest son was Napoleon.
Costa Ricans.White natives of Costa Rica, in Central America, mostly of pure Spanish descent.
Crees.SeeALGONQUIAN.
Creek Indians.SeeMUSKHOGEAN.
Creoles.Persons born in past or present French, Spanish, or Portuguese colonies, of pure European descent.
Cretans.An ancient race of prehistoric culture [seeMYCENÆANS]; in modern times chiefly Greek, mixed with Turk.
Croats.Inhabitants of Croatia, now mainly of Slavonic race, mingled with an earlier short, dark race of non-Aryan descent. One of the motley races of the Austrian Empire. They are warlike, turbulent, and eager for independence.
Cro-Magnon.A prehistoric race settled in the Vezere district of France, which may be taken as the primitive type of Caucasic Man. It is only known by a few skulls and other relics, and probably dates back to the Glacial Period.
Crow Indians.SeeSIOUAN.
Cymry.SeeWELSH.
Czechs, orBohemians. The most westerly branch of the Slavonic stock of the Aryan family, now occupying Bohemia, Moravia, and other parts of Austria. They are closely allied to the Slovaks of Hungary. They migrated from the Upper Vistula district to the modern Bohemia in the fifth century. Long an independent kingdom, and a bulwark of Christendom against the Turks, Bohemia passed to Austria in 1526. During the last century there has been a great recrudescence of the Czech nationality and language. The Czechs as a race are very musical and artistic.
Daflas.A Tibetan race inhabiting the northern border of Assam.
Dahomans.SeeEWE.
Dakotas.SeeSIOUAN.
Dalmatians.A Southern Slavonic race, crossed with Gothic blood. A fine race of hardy seamen, they manned the Venetian fleets, but now belong to Austria.
Damaras, orHau-Khoin. SeeHEREROS.
Danakils, orAfars. An Eastern Hamitic race settled in the vicinity of Obock, between Abyssinia and the Red Sea. They are nomad pastors and fishermen, well-built, and slender.
Danes.Natives of Denmark, belonging to the Scandinavian stock of the Aryan family. Denmark was originally inhabited by the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, who colonised England. On their departure, the Danes from Zealand settled on the deserted lands, and there reared the kingdom which still exists. The early Danes were brave warriors and skilled seamen, who for a time ruled Saxon England under Canute. Their descendants, of comparatively pure blood, preserve these characteristics, and are also industrious agriculturists.
Dards.A warlike and hardy race of Aryan descent, inhabiting the mountainous country around Gilgit, in North-west India, of whom the Hunzas and Nagars are the chief tribes.
Dargos.SeeLESGHIANS.
Delawares.A North American Indian race with whom William Penn dealt in the 17th century: now fairly civilised. SeeALGONQUIAN.
Didos.SeeLESGHIANS.
Dinkas.SeeNILITICGROUP.
Dogras.An Aryan race in the Punjab, between the Chinab and the Ravi, who contribute excellent soldiers to the British Native Army.
Dorians.SeeHELLENES.
Dravidas, orDravidians. Indigenous non-Aryan inhabitants of South India, including the Telingas or Telugu of the Nizam’s Dominions, the Tamils of Karnatic and Ceylon, the Kanarese of Mysore, the Malayalim of Malabar Coast, those wild hunters the Gonds of Vindhya Hills, the Sinhalese of Ceylon, and perhaps theVeddahs(q.v.). A Mongoloid race originally, which has been assimilated to the Caucasic type by long intermixture of blood.
Druses.A brave, handsome and industrious white race, who have been settled in the Lebanon district of Syria for at least 800 years, and owe their unity to the possession of a special religion. Their origin is uncertain, but they are probably of a mixed stock, to which Arabs, Kurds, and Persians have all contributed. They are fair-haired and of light complexion. They are very warlike, have always preserved their independence against the Turks, and are the inveterate enemies of theMaronites(q.v.).
Dungans.Southern Mongolic inhabitants of Zungaria, between Tian-Shan and Altai. Allied toChinese(q.v.).
Durbats.SeeKALMUKS.
Duranis.SeeAFGHANS.
Dyaks.The aborigines of Borneo, probably akin to theMalays(q.v.), whom they resemble physically, though of greater average stature. They are active and warlike, and formerly indulged in the practice of head-hunting, now dying out. The Sea-Dyaks were bold and inveterate pirates. They possess a considerable degree of indigenous civilisation, and their moral character is very fine.
Easter Islanders.(1) SeePOLYNESIANS. (2) Easter Island once possessed an older race of inhabitants, now extinct, who have left very remarkable traces in the shape of numerous colossal statues, thin-lipped and disdainful, standing on platforms of Cyclopean masonry, as well as many stone houses with thick walls, painted on the inside. Nothing farther is known of their race or history.
Ecuadorians.White natives of Ecuador, in South America, of Spanish descent; noted for their laziness and political instability.
Edomites.SeeIDUMÆANS.
Egbas.SeeYORUBAS.
Egyptians.(1) The ancient inhabitants of Egypt—known to them as Khem, the Biblical Mizraim—who reared one of the oldest and most important civilised states of the ancient world. The aborigines of Egypt were apparently a Palæolithic branch of Ethiopic Man, allied to the modern Bushmen. They were dispossessed and practically exterminated, probably about 7000B.C., by a slender, fair-skinned race of European type, belonging to the Hamitic family, and resembling the modernBerbers(q.v.) in many respects. These were probably the same as the ancientLibyans(q.v.). Later this race was modified by the introduction of a Semitic element, partly from Syria, partly from the Phœnician conquerors who founded dynastic rule in Egypt under Menes, between 5000 and 4000B.C.Their later history is written on their imperishable monuments, and need not be summarised here. In later times the Egyptian racial type was modified by Greek and Roman influence. The ancient Egyptians were highly skilled in agriculture and engineering, warlike but not aggressive, and with a highly developed literature and religion. (2) The modern Egyptians are partly descended from the ancient Egyptians, whose racial type as represented on the monuments is still to be found in purity, mingled with Bedouin Arabs, Turks, Syrians, and other races. SeeCOPTSandFELLAHIN.
English.Natives of England; used in a wider sense as equivalent to citizens of the British Empire [SeeBRITONS,ANGLO-SAXONS]. The English people are a Low German branch of the Teutonic stock of the Aryan family, with a faint Celtic element derived from the primitive Britons, a strong Scandinavian element (especially in the north-east), derived from the invading Danes and Norsemen in the ninth to eleventh centuries, and a considerable Norman element—Norse modified by French culture. The typical Englishman is white-skinned and fair-haired, belonging to the Xanthochroi, but there are many deviations due to modifying influences. The race is eminently warlike and aggressive, and makes the most successful colonisers known to the world.
Erie Indians.SeeIROQUOIAN.
Erse.SeeIRISH.
Eshi-Kongo.A semi-civilised race of Bantu Negroes, belonging to the ancient Kongo Empire, now Portuguese West Africa.
Eskimos, orInnuits. An Arctic aboriginal race, now inhabiting Greenland and the northern coasts of the American continent. They are nomadic, live by hunting and fishing, and are inured to extremes of cold. They are very broad-headed, fat, and of short stature, with flat quasi-Mongolic features. They seem to occupy a place midway between the North American Indian and the Mongolic type, and there is some reason to suppose that they represent a prehistoric Mongoloid incursion from Northern Asia, or perhaps from Indo-Malaysia.
Esthonians.A branch of BalticFinns(q.v.) settled in Esthonia, and possessing an ancient ballad literature and mythology.
Ethiopians.An ancient Berber tribe, settled in Egypt at least 5,000 years ago, now represented by the fair Berbers of Mauritania. Homer called them “blameless,” because he knew so little about them. SeeNUBIANS.
Ethiopic.One of the four great divisions of the human race, occupying Africa, Australia, and many islands of the Eastern Ocean. Its members are typically black-skinned and woolly haired, with projecting jaws and broad skulls.
Etruscans.An ancient Italian people, inhabiting Etruria in North Italy in pre-Roman times. They probably consisted of an aboriginalPelasgian(q.v.) race, modified by a dominant race of invaders, who may have been of Mongolic type, or perhaps akin to theHittites(q.v.). The Etruscans may be classed as Hamitic. They had a distinctive civilisation, and made great progress in art, of which many monuments remain. The Etruscan confederation, of which Veii was the chief city, long warred with the rising power of Rome, under whose dominion it fell in the fourth centuryB.C.Families of undoubted Etruscan descent are still found in North Italy.
Europeans.Natives of Europe, mainly Aryan.
Ewe.A group of Sudanese Negro tribes of Guinea Coast. The best known are the Dahomans, or natives of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey, on the Slave Coast. Of small stature, but robust and warlike, they are noted for their great human sacrifices and their employment of female warriors or “Amazons.” Now under French rule. The Togos are also an Ewe tribe.