Mendes Correia and the Porto School of Anthropology

Contributing to the history of anthropology, this book looks at the Porto School of Anthropology and analyses the life and work of its main mentor – Mendes Correia (1888-1960). Focused on Portugal, the analysis is also comparative with other international contexts.

A major contribution to the history of European anthropology, this book highlights the Porto School of Anthropology and analyses the work of its main mentor, Mendes Correia (1888-1960). It goes beyond a Portuguese focus to present a wider comparative analysis in which the colonial empire, knowledge of origins, ethnic identity and cultural practices all receive special attention. The analysis takes into account the fact that nationalism, as associated with an ethno-racial paradigm, decisively influenced discourse and scientific and political practices.