CHAGNON, NAPOLÉON

(1938– )

Professor emeritus of anthropology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, best known for his writings about theYanomamoofAmazonia. Chagnon’s discussion of Yanomamo shamans (or “shamanizers,” since any man can seek the aid ofhekura“spirits” andperformfunctions elsewhere specific to a few individuals) notes processes ofinitiation, uses ofebenesnuff,suckingand otherhealingmethods, andcombativeroles. His work became controversial when Patrick Tierney’s bookDarkness inEl Doradoalleged that Chagnon had participated in a range of unethical experiments. More lasting criticisms have included challenges to Chagnon’s portrayal of the Yanomamo as the most violent people on earth and his commitment to sociobiology.