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Joseph-Francois LafitauFrench Jesuit, founder of comparative anthropology.
Country:
 France |
Content:
- Early Life and Missionary Work
- Discovery of Ginseng
- Comparative Anthropology
- Matriarchy and "Gynecocracy"
- Influence on the Enlightenment
- Legacy
Early Life and Missionary Work
Joseph-François Lafitau, a French Jesuit, was born in Bordeaux on January 1, 1681. In 1712, he traveled to Canada as a missionary, where he spent five years living among the Iroquois and Huron tribes.
Discovery of Ginseng
During his missionary work in Canada, Lafitau discovered the ginseng plant in 1718. He sent samples back to Europe, where it was hailed as a medicinal wonder.
Comparative Anthropology
Lafitau's close observations of the Iroquois and Huron cultures led him to believe that their cultural development was not as primitive as previously assumed in Europe. He noticed similarities between their practices and those described by ancient writers about the "barbarians" of Thrace and Asia Minor, as well as accounts in the Bible.
"Moeurs Sauvages Amériquains comparés aux moeurs des premiers temps" (1724)
In his groundbreaking work, "Moeurs Sauvages Amériquains comparés aux moeurs des premiers temps," Lafitau compared the religious beliefs, customs, and institutions of Native American tribes with accounts of ancient Greek and Asian cultures. This comparative approach is considered the foundation of comparative anthropology.
Matriarchy and "Gynecocracy"
Lafitau was perhaps the first to recognize the widespread existence of matriarchy, which he termed "gynecocracy," in various parts of the world, including Africa.
Influence on the Enlightenment
Lafitau's work provided valuable insights into the nature of humanity, which influenced thinkers during the Enlightenment. He argued against the idealized view of a "lost paradise" but acknowledged the virtues inherent in pre-modern societies.
Legacy
Lafitau's comparative approach laid the groundwork for the accumulation of empirical data and the development of historical perspectives that characterized the Enlightenment and subsequent historical movements. His work was praised by Herder, who described it as "a compendium of the ethics and poetics of savages." Lafitau died in Bordeaux on January 3, 1746, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of anthropology.
