Gamio, Manuel (1883-1960), was a Mexican anthropologist and archaeologist. He was often called the father of Mexican anthropology. He also spent much of his time working to improve the living conditions of American Indians.
Gamio was born in Mexico City on March 2, 1883. He graduated from the National Preparatory School of San Ildefonso (now part of the National Autonomous University of Mexico) and earned a Ph.D. degree at Columbia University. From 1918 through 1921, he studied the people and environment of the Teotihuacan Valley of Mexico. During that period, he developed the theory of integral appreciation. According to this theory, the study of an ancient people, such as the Indians, must include their climate and geography and other social data. These elements, Gamio believed, help shape a people’s culture. Gamio’s theory first appeared in a book called The Population of the Valley of Teotihuacan (1922). Later, some of Gamio’s research influenced United States policies on Mexican immigration. Gamio died on July 16, 1960.
