Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 January 1884 — Venezuela Lake Dwellers. [ARTICLE]

Venezuela Lake Dwellers.

In many parts of the world, particularly in Europe, there are remains of the structures of an ancient people known as Lake Dwellers, from the fact that they lived in houses built over the water, 'in that beautiful sheet of water in Switzerland, Lake Geneva, there are such remains; but there are savage tribes in Oceanica who illustrate the ancient practice to-day, dwelling in huts built upon poles, at a considerable distance from land. In America, the only instance of this mode of housebuilding is found in the lake of Maracaibo, which lies in the north of Venezuela. Whether or not this habit of living suspended above the water is indicative of special characteristics, in which fear of enemies is the chief element, we are not ready to say; but it seems altogether likely that such is the case, as the tribes who lile in this isolated fashion are generally distinguished by a peaceable or non-warlike disposition. In regard to the Maracaibo Indians, who are believed to be an offshoot from the Venezuela Indians, this is true, as it is related that many years ago a violent war arose among the Indians of Venezuela, and -the conquered were driven out. Taking to their boats, they sailed away for the purpose of seeking a new region in which they might dwell. This lake, which is about 100 miles in length and 60 wide, is connected with the Gulf of Venezuela by a strait 25 miles long. The conquered Indians had purposed to pass through the strait on their way in search of a new country, but a violent storm came up, and compelled them to mass their boats closely, and tie them together with bamboo’ poles for • protection. This maneuver enabled them to meet the storm successfully; and it suggested the idea of their building pile houses over the lake, which would be safe from fire and flood, and give them security against their enemi&s. They proceeded to carry out the idea; and, ere long, a village of bamboo houses sprang up, as it were, out of the water. Strong poles driven firmly into the bottom of the lake, and secured at the top by crosspieces, constitute the foundation on which their houses are built. The roofs are formed of a framing of bamboo, and neatly thatched. For sleeping purposes, they use hammocks. The hygienic conveniences of these houses are superior; ventilation and drainage are matters of nature’s own provision, and cases of pulmonary disorders are unknown. These houses are built near enough together for access between them by means of short foot-bridges. Living, as these people do, directly over ths water, they subsist largely by fishing. They also make many articles of bamboo, and gather shells on the beach and fruit on the neighboring land, which they sell in the city markets of Maracaibo. It is said that they have a stronger disposition to industry than the natives of Venezuela further inland. But this may be due to their mode of living, and in being compelled to exert themselves to obtain the necessaries of life. — Phrenological Journal.