The concept of ice or cold, its role and its cultural historical position

Abstract

During the field research carried out between November 1984 and October 1985, it was observed that the daily life of the Coyaimas and Natagaimas is marked by the concept of ice or cold. Ice or cold means in the cultural concept of this ethnic group, the excessive loss of the heat or spirit given by the sun, which causes illnesses. Precautionary measures against this possibility are at the origin of the rules of behavior and accompany the life of the Coyaimas and Natagaimas from conception to death. Also in the North of South America and in Central America, concepts similar to ice or cold are generally found. This will be shown with the example of the Barasana in the Northeastern Amazon, the Paez who live in the Central Cordillera of Colombia and the Bribi in Costa Rica.
The concept of ice or cold is part of a classification in heat or cold that, according to Foster and Rowe (1951), arrived through the Spaniards to the Americas and represents a simplification of the Hippocratic sistem. However, both the facts found among the Coyaimas and Natagaimas and the comparison with the respective literature contradict Foster and Rowe's theory.
In conclusion, the system of heat or cold, which is of such importance among Indians and peasants, is an indigenous Amerindian cultural heritage.