Gc and transferrin isoelectrofocusing subtypes among Brazilian Indians

A total of 397 persons living in six villages of three Brazilian Indian tribes were studied in relation to the Gc subtypes. The corresponding gene frequencies are more similar between the Gorotire and Caingang than between the Gorotire and the Krahó, despite the considerable geographical distance that separates the villages of these two first tribes and their lignuistic differentiation. An uncommon variant pattern (1C7) was observed in eight Gorotire Indians; it had been described for the first time in a Tibetan sample, furnishing additional evidence on the Asiatic origin of these Indians. The distinct Gc subtype frequencies observed in our main ethnic groups provide an important new tool for anthropological analyses. Tf subtypes were studied among the Caingang only. The frequencies of Tf^C1 and Tf^C2 are similar to those obtained by other researchers in Hessen, Germany.     

The immunoglobulin allotypes (Gm and Km) of twelve Indian Tribes of Central and South America

The Gm and Km immunoglobulin allotypes are presented, for the first time, for six South American Indian tribes (Baniwa, Kanamari, Kraho, Makiritare, Panoa, and Ticuna) and one Central American tribe (Guaymi). Additional allotype information is presented for five previously reported South American tribes (Cayapo, Piaroa, Trio, Xavante and Yanomama). The distributions of the Gm and Km allotypes among all the tribal populations tested to date are reviewed and evidence is presented for the presence of a north (high) -south (low) cline in Km frequency. The wave theory of the populating of the South American continent was tested by an examination of the distribution of six alleles (Gm^ax;g, Gm^a;b0,3,t, Di^a, R^z, TF^D Chi, and 6PGD^C), absent in some populations but with polymorphic proportions in others. The present, limited, data failed to confirm the theory.     

Hemoglobin types of Brazilian Indians

Starch gel and paper electrophoresis determinations were performed in the bloods of 532 Indians and 123 Mestizos. The individuals tested belong to the Aweikoma, Caingang, Guarani, Xavante and Cayapo tribes and live in several places in Southern, Central and Northern Brazil. No abnormal types were observed in the putatively “pure blood” individuals; among the Mestizos only one AS person was found. Data concerning the hemoglobin types of Indians living in eight other South American countries are also reviewed.     

Demography and genetics of the Krahó and Gorotire Indians of Brazil

Three populations of two Brazilian Ge-speaking groups, the Krahó and Gorotire, have been studied demographically and the results compared with previous investigations on their genetic polymorphisms. The Krahó population is older, more acculturated, and has a smaller sex ratio than the Gorotire. It may also have derived from a larger number of founders. Intertribal marriages occurred with relative frequency among the Krahó, but in the Gorotire the predominant picture is one of exchange with other Cayapo subgroups. The latter have a distribution range roughly 9 × larger than the Krahó. The reproductive histories of the Krahó and Gorotire are similar, leading to equivalent estimates of selection potential. But mortality may have been selectively more important among the Krahó. Wright's fixation index F is of the same order of magnitude in the two groups and intermediate between values obtained among the North American Indian Zuni and the East Indian Bhil. Despite considerable exogamy it showed positive values.     

The Brazilian Xavante Indians revisited: New protein genetic studies

A total of 94 individuals from the Xavante village of Rio das Mortes were variously studied in relation to 28 protein genetic systems. No variation was observed for 15 of them, in accordance with previous studies. Of the remaining 13, four (Rh, Duffy, acid phosphatase, and GC) showed significant departures from the averages obtained in 32 other South American Indian populations. If studies performed in the 1960s are considered, there is indication that no significant changes in this village's gene pool has occurred in the last 30 years. Comparison with two other Xavante populations included nine systems with variation, and for three of them (MNSs, Rh, and Duffy) significant differences were found. Genetically the Rio das Mortes are closer to the São Marcos than to the Simões Lopes Xavantes. A dendrogram considering 25 genetic systems and 33 South American Indian populations was constructed. There the Xavante were grouped together, in two neighboring clusters, with three other tribes who speak Ge languages. But these clusters also present populations who speak other languages, and the reproducibility of the tree is low. South American Indians, at least with this set of markers, do not seem to be clearly classified into defined subgroups. Am J Phys Anthropol 104:23–34, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Blood groups and H-Lea salivary secretion of Brazilian Cayapo Indians

Five hundred and twenty-six individuals from four populations were studied in relation to the ABO, MNSs, P, Rh, Lutheran, Kell, Lewis, Duffy, Kidd, Diego and I systems, as well as for the Wright antigen of blood groups. The H-Le^a salivary secretion of 406 of them was also investigated. Considering the gene markers which show variation in South American Indians, the Cayapo frequencies are in the middle of the distribution range for genes L^Ms, R¹ (CDe), R² (cDE), P¹, Jk^a, Di^a and Se but present high values of Le and Fy^a and low ones of L^MS, L^Ns, R^o (cDe) and/or r (cde), L^NS and R^z (CDE). Unusual findings in relation to previous studies are the high prevalence of Le (a+) persons (which, however, could be expected since the frequency of gene Se is not too high) and the presence of one Lu (a+) and one PP₁ (Tj^a) (?) individuals. Comparison of the pattern of inter-village variation in relation to these polymorphisms with those furnished by historical, demographic and morphological data gives in general reasonable concordance, but some results are difficult to interpret. New approaches and further multidisciplinary studies are needed to obtain a clearer picture of the genetic relationships present among different tribes of South American Indians as well as to understand how polymorphisms are created and maintained in human populations.     

New studies on the esterase D polymorphism in South American Indians

A total of 2, 490 South American Indians affiliated with 10 tribes were studied for esterases A₁, A₂, A₃, B, D, and carbonic anhydrases 1 and 2. Wide variation was observed in the prevalence of ESD¹, the extreme values being 0. 44, encountered among the Xikrin, and 0. 95, found among the Cashinawa. Seven of the 10 frequencies fell within the interval of 0. 66–0. 87. These results were integrated with those of earlier surveys. In a general way we observe lower values in the eastern and Atlantic Coast groups, but this is mainly due to the low frequencies found among the Gê tribes and the Caingang, who speak a language which has many affinities with Gê. High prevalences were observed among the tropical forest tribes. A fair amount of intervillage, intratribal variation was found among the Ticuna and Caingang. No variability was detected in the A₁, A₂, A₃, B esterases. In the carbonic anhydrases we confirmed the presence of a “private polymorphism” among the Baniwa.     

Esterase D in South American Indians.

Significant variation in the frequency of Esterase D isoenzymes was found in 1,070 individuals belonging to eight South American Indian tribes. The Es D1 allele shows frequencies varying from .36 to 1. A region of low prevalence of this allele seems to exist in northern Brazil, involving the Parakanan, Gorotire, and Krahó. The intratribal variation observed in eight Yanomama villages located in Brazil was not exceptional.     

Distribution of hereditary blood groups among indians in South America. VII. In Argentina

This seventh and last paper in a series on the distribution of blood groups among Indians in South America reports the findings among Amerinds in Argentina. Blood specimens were procured from putative full-bloods of the following tribes: 38 Diaguita (Calchaqui), 230 Mataco, 90 Chiriguano, 142 Choroti, 51 Toba, 120 Chané, 96 Chulupi (Ashluslay), and 178 Araucano (Mapuche). These 945 samples were tested for blood factors in the A-B-O, M-N-S-s, P, Rh-Hr, K-k, Lewis, Duffy, Kidd, and Diego systems. Serum samples were tested for haptoglobins and transferrins. Hemolysates prepared from whole blood were tested for hemoglobin types. The results are presented in tables as phenotype distribution and calculated allele frequencies. Locations of the populations from which blood samples were procured are shown on a map of North and Central Argentina. High frequencies are reported for the O allele. Allele frequencies are high also for M, s, R¹ (CDe), R² (cDE), k, Le^H and Fy. They are usually low or absent for alleles B, N, S, Mi^a, Vw, R^o (cDe), r (cde), K, Le¹, and fy. The Di allele ranged from 0.013 in the Araucano (Mapuche) to 0.192 in the Toba. Allele frequencies aberrant for Indians were observed more often in the Araucano (Mapuche) and Diaguita tribes, due probably to greater inflow of non-Indian genes into their gene pool and perhaps also to genetic drift in small inbred populations. Hp¹ allele frequencies varied from 0.43 in the Choroti to 0.80 in the Diaguita. All samples tested for transferrins except six contained the variant Tf C; the six were B₁ C present in samples from one Mataco and six Araucano persons. All the specimens tested electrophoretically for hemoglobin types contained only (A) as a major component.     

Distribution of hereditary blood groups among Indians in South America. II. In Peru

Blood specimens were procured from the following putatively pure Indians of the Peruvian rain forest: 90 Piro and 89 Campa on the Urubamba and Tambo rivers, 142 Shipibo and 14 Isconahua on the Rio Ucayali near Yarinacocha, 151 Aguaruna at Santa Maria de Nieva, where the Marañon and Nieva rivers join, and from 122 Ticuna and 9 Yagua near the Brazilian border on the Amazon. Specimens from highland Indians were obtained from 93 Aymará and 181 Quechua at Puno and environs. These 891 specimens were tested for antigens in the A-B-O, M-N-S-s, P, Rh-Hr, Lutheran, K-k, Lewis, Duffy, Kidd, and Diego (Di^a) systems, and for the Wright (Wr^a) aglutinogen. Serum samples from these bloods were tested for haptoglobins and transferrins and hemolysates were prepared and examined for hemoglobin types. Results for these tests with claculated gene frequencies are presented, for the most part, on appropriate tables. A map is included to show the locations of the populations from which blood samples were procured. As in South American Indians generally, frequencies are high for the O gene it being the only gene of the ABO system which appears in isolated jungle populations and the Aymará. Gene frequencies are usually high also for M, s, R¹ (CDe), R² (cDE), Lu^b, k, Le^H, and Fy^a; and low or absent for A, B, N, S, Mi^a, Vw, R^o (cDe), r (cde), Lu^a, K, Le¹, Fy^b, and Wr^a. The Diego (Di^a) gene is present but varies greatly in frequencies among tribes. Hp¹ gene frequencies vary from 0.44 to 0.69 among the Peruvian Indians tested. Transferrin CD was encountered in only one population i.e., in 3 of 86 Piro (gene frequency Tf^D= 0.02). All others were C. All Peruvian Indian bloods tested electrophoretically contained only hemoglobin (A) as a major component.     

Distribution of blood groups among indians in South America. VI. In Paraguay

This paper on the distribution of hereditary factors in the blood of Indians in South America, reports the results of tests made on samples procured from Paraguayan Indians. Specimens from putatively full-blood persons were obtained from the following tribes: 88 Chamacoco, 36 Moro, 85 Chulupi, 207 Lengua, 100 Toba, 20 Yam Lengua, and 51 Guayaki, These 587 Samples were tested for factors in the A-B-O, M-N-S-s, P. Rh-Hr, Lutheran, Kell-Cellano, Lewis, Duffy, Kidd, and Diego systems. Serum samples were tested for haptoglobins and transferrins. He molysates, prepared from whole blood, were tested for hemoglobin types. The results are presented on appropriate tables as number and per cent of phenotypes for the various blood group antigens and their calculated allele frequencies. Locations of the populations from which blood samples were procured are listed on the tables and shown on a map (fig. 1). Of the 587 samples all except two Chamacoco belonged to group O. High frequencies are reported generally for M, s, P, R¹ (CDe), R² (cDE), k (100%) and Fy alleles in Paraguayn Indians. Low frequencies were generally reported for N, S, r (cde) and R° (cDe) alleles. There was a wide variation in frequencies for Di, Jk, and haptoglobin Hp¹. All tested for transferrins were classified as Tf C and all contained hemoglobin (A) as a major component. The following antigens were completely absent: Mi^a, Vw, p, P^k, r^y (CdE), K, and Le¹. Most notable is the unusual distribution of hereditary blood antigens among the Guayaki and Moro. The Guayaki had 100% P₁ and Fy^a; they were higher in R° (cDe), R¹ (CDe), and Jk^a; and lower in R² (cDE) and Hp¹ genes than other Indians; and Di was absent. The Guayaki differed from the other Indians also in having fair skin. The Moro were lower in the P¹ and Jk gene frequencies than is usually found in Amerinds, and the Di gene was absent. The Chamacoco also had an exceptionally low frequency for the P¹ gene (0.261).     

Distribution of hereditary blood groups among Indians in South America. 3. In Bolivia

Blood samples were procured from the following populations of putatively pure Indians in Bolivia: 503 Aymará from the Altiplano and Yungas, 30 Chama, 11 Tacana, 14 Chácobo, 109 Itonama, 67 Moré, and 27 Sirionó from the Beni and lowland rainforest. Erythrocytes from these 761 specimens were tested for antigens in the A-B-O, M-N-S-s, P, Rh-Hr, Lutheran, Kell-Cellano, Lewis, Duffy, Kidd, and Diego systems, and for the Wright agglutinogen. The serum samples were tested for haptoglobins and transferrins; and hemolysates were prepared and examined for hemoglobin types. Results of these tests are presented as phenotypes and calculated gene frequencies on appropriate tables. A map is included to show the locations of the populations from which blood samples were obtained. Frequencies are generally high for the O gene, it being the only gene of the ABO system which appears in the Chama, Chácobo and Sirionó. The presence of A₁, A₂ or B genes in the Bolivian Indians is interpreted as being most probably of caucasoid introduction. Excepting the Sirionó the frequencies are high for M and low for N genes as is usual for Amerinds, the M gene being the only one detected in the Chama. The s gene frequency in high and the S low except in the small isolated Chácobo population in which S gene frequency is extremely high for Amerinds. Inbreeding and perhaps genetic drift in this small isolate may account for this aberrancy from normal. The Bolivian specimens presented the high frequencies for genes R¹ (CDe) and R² (cDE) and the low frequencies for genes r (cde) and R⁰ (cDe) usually observed in American Indians. The Lu^a factor was observed in only one of 120 Aymará at Santa Fe in the Yungas. The Lu^a factor, when observed in Amerinds, suggests foreign introduction of the responsible gene. Fy^a gene frequencies are consistently high and excepting the Aymará and Chama so also are Jk^a frequencies. Frequencies for the Diego (Di^a) factor vary from 3.70% in 27 Sirionó to 73.33% in 30 Chama. No K, Mi^a, Vw or Wr^a antigens were demonstrable in the Indian blood samples from Bolivia. Phenotypes and calculated gene frequencies for haptoglobins and transferrins are presented. All Bolivian Indian bloods tested electrophoretically contained only hemoglobin (A) as a major component.     

The influence of cultural factors on the demography and pattern of gene flow from the Makiritare to the Yanomama Indians

A single village of Yanomama Indians was found to have frequencies of Di^a of 0.06 and of Ap^a of 0.08, in contrast to 40 other villages whereDi^a was absent and Ap^a quite rare. The source of these genes was identified as a village of Makiritare Indians, but the two allele frequencies were approximately the same or even higher in the Yanomama than in the Makiritare village. Demographic, social and cultural parameters affecting marriage and reproduction in the two tribes explain this. Genealogical relationships and informants' accounts collected in the field, when viewed against the traditional marriage practices, reproductive advantages of headmen, and differential treatment of captured women, indicate that the mating and reproduction parameters inherent in tribal social organization of this kind constitute an essential part of the explanation of the genetic findings. It is argued that mating systems of this sort are such that the probability of a new gene introduced by a captive surviving in the recipient population is a function of the sex of the initial carrier. The implications for tribalization and potentially radical changes in allele frequencies are briefly explored by considering aspects of settlement pattern and population fissioning known to characterize the tribes in question. Finally, it is shown that genetic sampling from a single location can and does result in unrepresentative allele frequencies when this single sample is taken to characterize the tribe as a whole.     

Determination of aluminum and phosphorus in biological materials by reactor activation analysis using germanium as integral flux monitor and comparator

A method for determination of aluminum and phosphorus in biological materials, based on activation in a nuclear reactor and measurement of²⁸Al, produced by the²⁷Al(n, γ)²⁸Al and³¹P(n, α)²⁸Al reactions, is described. Irradiations in the undisturbed and epicadmium spectra provide a two-equation system in order to determine the contributions of aluminum and phosphorus to the total activities. Germanium is used as an integral flux monitor and comparator, through the reactions:⁷⁴Ge(n,γ)⁷⁵Ge,⁷⁶Ge(n,γ)⁷⁷Ge, and⁷⁷Ge, and⁷²Ge (n,p)⁷²Ga.

     

Distribution of hereditary blood groups among Indians in South America. IV. In Chile with inferences concerning genetic connections between Polynesia and America

This is the fourth paper in a series on the distribution of blood groups among Indians of South America. It reports the findings on the Indians of Chile and the Polynesians of Chile's Easter Island. Blood specimens were procured from the following putatively pure Indians and unmixed Polynesians: 44 Alacaluf of Puerto Eden, Isla Wellington, 141 Mapuche (Araucanian) of Lonquimay, Malleco Province, 80 Atacameños of Antofagasta Province, and 45 Polynesians of Easter Island. These 310 samples were tested for blood factors in the A-B-O, M-N-S-s, P, Rh-Hr, Lutheran, K-k, Lewis, Duffy, Kidd and Diego systems, and for the Wright (Wr^a) agglutinogen. Serum samples were tested for haptoglobins and transferrins. Hemolysates prepared from the blood clots were tested for hemoglobin types. The results are presented as phenotype incidences and calculated gene frequencies in appropriate tables. Locations of the populations from which blood samples were procured are shown on two maps. The high frequencies for the O gene usually reported for South American Indians obtain in putatively pure Chilean Indians but A¹ is high in Easter Island Polynesians. In both Indians and Polynesians M, s, R¹ (CDe), R² (cDE), Lu^b, k, Le^H, and Fy^a gene frequencies are high and B, N, S, Mi^a, Vw, Rº (cDe), r (cde), Lu^a, K, Le¹, Fy^b, and Wr^a (Ca) are low or absent. The Diego (Di) gene is present in the Mapuche and Atacameños but absent in the Alacaluf and Polynesians. Hp¹ gene frequencies were determined only in the Alacaluf and Atacameños, in which they are 0.48 and 0.67 respectively. Transferrins were determined for the Alacaluf and Atacameños Indians and all were classified as Tf C. All Chilean Indian and Polynesian specimens were tested electrophoretically for hemoglobin types and all contained only hemoglobin (A) as a major component.     

Distribution of hereditary factors in the blood of Indians of the Gila River, Arizona

This paper reports the distribution of blood groups, A-B-H secretors, haptoglobins, transferrins and hemoglobin types among Indians of the Gila River Valley in Arizona. Specimens were procured from the following putative full-bloods: 909 Pima, 37 Papago, and 124 Maricopa; and from the following known mixed-bloods: Pima-Papago 134, Pima-Maricopa 26, Pima-Other Indian 41, Pima-Caucasian 33. These 1304 samples were tested for factors in the A-B-O, M-N-S-s, P, Rh-Hr, Lutheran, Kell-Cellano, Lewis, Duffy, Kidd and Diego blood group systems, and for additional blood factors (Wr^a), Do^a, Vel, Yt^a, Co^a, Gy^a, Sav, and L. W. Serum samples were tested for haptoglobins and transferrins. Hemolysates, prepared from whole blood, were tested for hemoglobin types. The results are presented on appropriate tables as number and per cent of phenotypes for the various blood group antigens and their calculated allele frequencies. Locations of the populations from which blood samples were procured are shown on a map (fig. 1). Tests made by earlier workers on the blood of Arizona Indians and related tribes are presented for comparison and discussed. The usual high frequencies for allele O reported in Amerinds was found among the putatively full-blood Gila Indians; the 124 Maricopa presented the maximum frequency of 1.000. High frequencies were reported generally for M, s, P¹, R¹ (CDe), R² (cDE), k (100%) Fy, and Do^a alleles. Low frequencies were reported for N, S, r (cde), R° (cDe), fy, Le¹w and Di^a (Pima only). There was a wide variation in frequencies for jk, and Hp¹, and there were 17 Transferrin Tf B₁C observed in 270 Pima samples tested. All the remaining were classified as Tf C except two Tf B;C from mixed-bloods. All samples tested for Vel, Yt^a, Co^a, Sav, and Hemoglobin (A) showed the maximum frequency (1.000) for their genes. The following antigens were completely absent: Lu^a, Mi^a, Vw, Mt^a, p, P^k, r^y (CdE), K, and Wr^a. The results of this study suggests that the Papago tribe presents fewer genes of non-Indian origin than the Pima, and the Maricopa least of the three populations.     

Anthropometric studies in Brazilian Cayapo Indians

Results of 16 measurements and 7 indices obtained from 130 men and 156 women belonging to three populations of Brazilian Indians are reported. For both males and females the averages for stature and head breadth are in the middle of the distribution range of values observed in other South American tribes; those for head length and nasal height are relatively low but the averages for sitting height, calf circumference and minimum frontal breadth are high. As for the indices, in both sexes the cephalic and cephalofacial are medium, the Rohrer, jugomandibularis and facial low, and the nasal high when compared with other tribes. Morphological distances between the three Cayapo populations were estimated using Mahalanobis' D² statistic; they are smaller than those separating different tribes and are not the expected ones when the demographic variables of these groups and the geographic distances between them are considered. The amount of variability as expressed by the coefficient of variation and the prevailing pattern of sexual dimorphism are similar to those observed in other Indian populations.     

Genetic studies in Paraguay: blood group, red cell, and serum genetic patterns of the Guayaki and Ayore Indians, Mennonite settlers, and seven other Indian tribes of the Paraguayan Chaco

Genetic studies of 540 Paraguayan Indians from nine tribal groups and 51 Mennonites are presented for ABO, MNSs, P₁, Rh, Kell, Lewis, Duffy, Diego; for serum immunoglobulins and haptoglobins, G6PD-deficiency, and thalassemia trait. Group O gene frequencies for all Indian groups were 1.00; for r (cde), 0.00. Tapiete, Lengua, Toba, and Sanapana R_z (CDE) frequencies were among the highest ever reported. N frequencies were high for Ache Kwera (Guayaki), Lengua, Cheroti, Guarayu, Tapiete; N and s low for Ayore. MS frequencies were high for Sanapana, Lengua, Ayore; Ns for Tapiete. Diego was notably absent for Toba, Lengua, Guarayu, Tapiete, Ayore. Homogeneous frequencies for Fy^a (1.000) occurred among Guarayu and Tapiete, and for P₁ among Guayaki. Inv(a) frequencies were low for Cheroti, Chulupi, Guayaki. Hp 1 among Guayaki (Ache Kwera 0.15) is lowest ever reported. G6PD deficiency and abnormal hemoglobins were uniformly absent from all groups. Mennonite results were homogeneous and point toward Dutch origins. Differences among groups studied, and between Paraguayan and other Amerinds emphasize importance of genetic drift and founder principle. Abandonment of their tribes by mixed-blood offspring is partly responsible for apparent genetic purity and homogeneity of groups.     

Distribution of hereditary blood groups among Indians in South America. V. In northern Brazil

This paper reports the results of tests made for hereditary antigens in blood samples procured from Indians in northern Brazil. Specimens were procured from 423 putatively full-blood persons of the following tribes: in the province of Roraima from 261 Macuxi, 48 Uaica, 27 Xirixano, 10 Uapixana, 9 Cacarapai and 9 Paramiteri; in Pará from 21 Assurini; and in Amapá from 38 Galibi. Erythrocyte samples were tested for factors in the A-B-O, M-N-S-s, P, Rh-Hr, Lutheran, Kell-Cellano, Lewis, Duffy, Kidd and Diego systems. Serum samples were tested for haptoglobins and transferrins. Hemolysates, prepared from whole blood, were tested for hemoglobin types. The results are presented on appropriate tables as number and per cent of phenotypes for the various blood group anigens and their calculated gene frequencies. Locations from which blood samples were procured are listed in the tables and shown on a map (fig. 1). All the 423 samples except one Macuxi belonged to group O. The Uaica tribe had a low frequency for M (0.534). All others showed the high frequency usually observed in Amerinds. The s allele was high in all except the Galibi in which the frequency was (0.500). Frequencies for P² was higher than for P¹ in all except the Assurini and Galibi, theirs was high for P¹ (1.00) and low for P² (0.00). The frequencies for R¹ (CDe) and R² (cDE) were high and all others in the Rh-Hr system were low or absent. All specimens were positive for Cellano (k) and negative for Kell (K). There was a complete absence of Lewis (Le₁), excepting in the Uaica and Xirixano in which populations Fy^a allele frequencies were higher than 0.500. The distribution of the Jk (a+) phenotype and corresponding ellele frequencies varied widely in Brazilian Indians as did those for Diego (a+). The haptoglobin Hp¹ allele frequencies were in essential agreement with those reported elsewhere for Indians in South America, and all transferrins determined were classified as Tf C. All samples tested for homoglobin types contained homoglobin (A) as a major component, but five members of the Galibi tribe possessed hemoglobin (S) as well.     

The genetic structure of a tribal population, the Yanomama indians. VII. Anthropometric differences among Yanomama villages

Anthropometric data on 12 variables in 19 villages of the Yanomama Indians demonstrate significant heterogeneity in physique among villages of this tribe. Mahalanobis' distances (D²) calculated from the data lead to the tentative conclusion of a general correspondence between anthropometric and geographic distances separating villages. The mean stature of the Yanomama is smaller than that of most other South American tribes which have been measured, and the Yanomama are genetically distinct from the other small Indians as shown by genetic distances based on allele frequencies for a variety of genetic markers. Since some subjects were measured more than once by the same and by different observers, it was possible to calculate approximate estimates of variance within and between observers. Univariate analysis indicates that face height and nose height are especially susceptible to systematic differences in technique between observers. The variances obtained in this field study compare favorably with those of some classical laboratory studies described in the literature. It was found that measurement error nevertheless probably makes a substantial contribution to anthropometric distance between villages. The median error variance as a fraction of that of Herskovits ('30) is 0.62 for the seven measurements in common with this study. The median value of the error variance for the 12 variables in this study is between 16% and 17% of the total variance.