Comparative Ethnographical Studies

work by Nordenskiöld

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June 24, 2026

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Erland Nordenskiöld was a Swedish ethnologist and archaeologist, renowned for his studies of South American Indian cultures. As a professor of American and comparative ethnology, he significantly influenced anthropology in Sweden and Denmark. Nordenskiöld conducted expeditions in South America, focusing on archaeological research and the distribution of cultural elements. His major work, Comparative Ethnographical Studies (1918–38), analyzed the material culture of Bolivian tribes, exploring the relationship between environment and cultural patterns. He was skeptical of the Kulturkreis theory, suggesting indigenous origins for high civilization in America.1

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Erland Nordenskiöld
His major work is Comparative Ethnographical Studies, 10 vol. (1918–38), in which he analyzed the material culture of Bolivian tribes and sought to relate natural environment and other influences on cultural patterns. He was skeptical of the theory of Kulturkreis (“culture sphere”), which postulates early diffusion of cultural elements…
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His major work is Comparative Ethnographical Studies, 10 vol. (1918–38), in which he analyzed the material culture of Bolivian tribes and sought to relate natural environment and other influences on cultural patterns. He was skeptical of the theory of Kulturkreis (“culture sphere”), which postulates early diffusion of cultural elements…
Read More