William Curtis Farabee - Legacy

Legacy

Within the academic community, Farabee was a respected anthropologist. He did not produce any doctorates in physical anthropology during his time teaching at Harvard, which has earned him some criticism, there may be political reasons for this. While Farabee was more interested in research than teaching, and may not have attracted students for this reason, it has been noted that Putnam may have also had a stifling effect on the department at the time (Spencer, 1981). In addition to the lack of students, Farabee also faced personal insults in print, such as those presented in a rebuttal by Farabee (1921), when he was criticized for his report on the Arawak people.

Farabee was the recipient of several noteworthy awards and recognitions. He was appointed as an honorary member of the faculty at the University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru. President Hastings selected his as a member of the American Commission to the Peruvian Centennial with the rank of Envoy Extraordinary (deMilhau, 1922). Additionally, he was an ethnographer in the American Commission to Negotiate Peace, in Paris during 1918-1919 (Obituary, 1925).

William Farabee was a notable member of the anthropological community. His contributions to the early field of genetics helped pave the way for future research. His explorations in South America recorded data that is fascinating and represents the cultures of the region before foreigners influenced them. Although he did not leave any academic progeny, his ideas and research remain with us today.