Cultural determinants of population stability in the Havasupai Indians
Alvarado, A.L.
American Journal of Physical Anthropology 33(1): 9-14
1970
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9483 PMID: 5464470 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.1330330103Document Number: 574934
The Havasupai are a small tribe who have traditionally practiced very productive agriculture in a highly fertile, well-watered canyon. The agricultural subsistence base was formerly supplemented by hunting and gathering in adjacent areas which before significant American encroachment were plentifully supplied with desired game and wild vegetal products. Under these circumstances it would be expected that the tribe would be characterized by an expanding population. However, the population has been stable throughout historic times, approximately 200 years. In order to determine the significant factors responsible for the maintenance of population stability, all available information regarding Havasupai fertility, morbidity, mortality, and emigration was examined. An analysis of these data indicates that the population balance has been maintained primarily through cultural practices which limit fertility. Among the most important of these practices are the age at marriage, the age span differential between spouses, the high number of unmarried adults to be found in the population at any given time, the spermatocidal effect of the steam lodge, and perhaps the practice of infanticide and induced abortion.
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