Erikson, Philippe <br/><br/>
In praise of hummingbirds: Minute amazonist ethno-ornithology in tribute to Dimitri Karadimas 

 -  2018.<br/>							 
<br/><br/> 76 
<br/><br/> One of Dimitri Karadimas’ main contributions to anthropology is to have flagged up the pervasive significance of micro-predators (particularly insects) in Amerindian imagination, iconography and ritual life. Meant as a tribute to his memory, this paper offers a brief overview of the symbolism associated with another minute yet remarkable being: the hummingbird. Hereto unfairly neglected – probably for its lack of predatorial potential – this slender and stealthy creature nonetheless embodies, in the eyes of a great many Amerindian peoples, such core values as hospitality, generosity, efficiency, stamina and, generally speaking, all qualities related with promptitude, willingness and mobility. Herald of the spirits and paragon of shimmering beauty, the hummingbird also regularly stands out as a symbol of leadership, life and fertility.‪