"Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletin 78 - Handbook of the Indians of California", U.S. Bureau of Ethnology

This detailed 995-page report examining the Indian tribes of California was written by Alfred Louis Kroeber, a well-known anthropologist from the early 20th century. Kroeber originally set out to write a history, but "there being no written documents, the element of time enters infinitely less than in works which it is customary to designate historical." As such, Kroeber reports "I have constituted the bulk of the book a series of tribal descriptions" based upon his "17 years of acquaintance and occupation with the Indians of California." The report covers numerous native gropus includes the Yurok, Karok, Yuki, Wappo, Pomo, Maidu, Miwok, Yokuts, Luiseno, Mohave, and many more. The volume is profusely illustrated with 78 in-text illustrations and 83 plates, including the following 6 folding maps:

Indians of California, by Stocks and Tribes (23.7 x 28.2"). In rear pocket.
Native Sites in Part of Southern California (14.5 x 17.5"). In rear pocket.
The Pomo and Their Subdivisions (11.7 x 14.7").
Territory and Villages of the Maidu and Miwok (7.7 x 12.4").
The Southern and Central Yokuts (10.5 x 13.5").
Part of the Habitat of the Chumas and Alliklok (12.2 x 7.5").

Octavo. Hardbound in green cloth with gilt title on the spine.

References:

Condition: A

Folding maps and plates are clean, crisp and near fine. The one exception is the "Native Sites" folding map that has a repaired 2" fold separation at bottom (B+). Text has a hint of pleasant light toning. Title page is missing. Covers have light wear and minor soiling.