In the survey I conducted it was found that out of 107 students surveyed, 102 described the typical Amerindian as having straight, black hair and tan or copper colored skin. This is a myth, pure and simple, perpetuated today by “Hollywood” among other media forms. 92 of those surveyed also commented that they believed Amerindians were unable to grow facial hair. On the basis that a picture is worth a thousand words I have included portraits from men like Catlin who knew Amerindians first hand and are noted for their ethnographic accuracy.

Note how quickly the commonly perceived image of Amerindian features is shattered. The above paintings demonstrate very quickly that some Amerindians had straight hair while others possessed curls in the extreme and every level of wavy hair in between. These portraits also show the ability to grow facial hair was not denied the Amerindian. In truth it was a preference matter, or one of hygiene, as it is with any human male. What about the skin color?
        George Catlin commented on his surprise in regard to the skin tone of some Amerindians when he wrote,
         There are a great many of these people whose complexions appear as light as half breeds; and amongst the women particularly, there are many whose skis are almost white, with the most pleasing symmetry and proportion of features; with hazel, with gray, and with blue eyes, . . .

Obviously the Amerindian was as diverse in phenotypic characteristics as any human group. Catlin also notes that hair color ran the entire gamut (Catlin 1989 pgs. 87-89). In his final comments Catlin makes it clear that the Amerindians were extremely diverse not just in appearance, but in many aspects. He soundly shatters the tendency people have, then as now, to ascribe a pan-Indian image to the Amerindian (Catlin pgs. 465-467).
John Smith, while known as an inventor of adventures, still has some value in this area. When looking over his work it becomes obvious that no love was lost between Smith and the Amerindian and we would hardly attribute a civilized aspect out of the kindness of his heart. With this in mind consider his description of the Amerindians he encountered:
Some being very great, as the Susquehannocks, others very little, as the Wighcocomocos; but generally tall and straight, of a comely proportion, and of a color brown when they are of any age, but they are born white. The hair is generally dark and few wear beards. . .(Smith pg. 5)
Later in the account he comments that ointments were rubbed into the skin to protect the individual from sun burn.

As a picture is often worth a thousand words consider these portraits:

It should by now be obvious that the tan nature of many Amerindians was a result of life-long exposure to the sun rather than a genetic phenotype as is found in the Southwestern groups. Smith’s account also confirms the facial hair shown in Catlin’s paintings as well as others of the era. Simply put, the “typical” Amerindian does not exist. Rather it is an amalgamation of Amerindian peoples of widely varying types that are the original inhabitants of the Americas.

We appreciate your comments and suggestions. Please E-MAIL us.

� 1995 1997 1998 1999 2000 by Hutchison Research Center. All rights reserved.

Have a topic or question for discussion? Join our free discussion forum!

Back to Hutchison Research Center Contents Page
Back to Hutchison Research Center Home Page