This paper is based on Descola's argument that there is an homology between the way in which people treat nature and the way in which they treat each other. He contrasts the Jivaroan peoples with the Tukanoans; the former organizing the relationship in terms of predation, the latter reciprocity. A third contrast in the form of the Guiana region is introduced and it is hypothesized that a degree of self-containment, an isolation from nature, will be found there. In fact it is, but it also possible to identify, depending on data and context, predatory and reciprocal relationships with nature or the outside. It is suggested that this is likely to be generally the case.
Amazonia; Guiana; Predation; Reciprocity; Animism