The Ottomacas are that tribe of South American Indians who have so often been described as The Dirt-eaters. They fill their stomachs with an unctuous clay found in the alluvium of their district; and this, irrespective of the plenty or scarcity of other provisions. The accurate chemical composition of this clay has yet to be ascertained. The current statement that it is so full of organic matter as to partake of the nature of animal or vegetable food, is probably unfounded.
THE CHIRICOAS.
Divisions.—1. The Guahivi. 2. The Chiricoas.
Locality.—Left bank of the Orinoco. South of the Saliva.
It is nearly certain that this list of families is anything but exhaustive for the Middle and Upper Orinoco. Thus, partly from the notices of the Mithridates, and partly from the maps of Humboldt, we find the following additional names of tribes:
Curacicanas.—River Ventuari.
Javaranas.—Ditto.
Daricavaris.—River Inirida; cannibals.
Pucherinavis.—River Inirida; cannibals.