Category Archives: Wade Davis

Endangered Languages Preserved in New York

Posted on May 1, 2010 by Nicholas Merkelson

In a February post, titled “The Ethnosphere and Our Common Culture,” Culture in Peril referred to a Wade Davis lecture in which he remarked on the conspicuous daily extinction of languages. Davis notes that of the roughly 6500 to 7000 languages … Continue reading →

Posted in cultural conservation, Culture in Peril, ethnosphere, language, New York Times, Wade Davis | Leave a comment

Zimbabwe’s “Lost” Jewish Tribe

Posted on March 17, 2010 by Nicholas Merkelson

The all-too-popular myth of “lost” tribes of humans is an enchanting one. When in recent years the chance discovery of one of these mysterious indigenous groups actually becomes a reality, news stories have been keen to capture the anthropological significance and … Continue reading →

Posted in humankind, indigenous culture, Judaism, Lemba, Wade Davis, Zimbabwe | 2 Comments

The Ethnosphere and Our Common Culture

Posted on February 17, 2010 by Nicholas Merkelson

What does it mean to be human and alive? This is the fundamental question posed by renowned Canadian anthropologist Wade Davis in his January 13, 2010, SALT lecture, “The Wayfinders: Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World.” There are some … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, ethnosphere, humankind, indigenous culture, SALT, Wade Davis | Leave a comment