A vast number of tribes inhabit the banks of the Amazon and its
tributaries, who, though having a general resemblance, differ in their
habits and customs. Those found on the Lower Amazon are more or less
civilised, and are known as Tupis, or Tapuyas. They speak the lingua
Geral, and sometimes Portuguese. The lingua Geral is the ancient Tupee
language, considerably modified by the Jesuits, who taught it to all
those under their control.
The Amazonian Indians have generally fine figures, their chests
especially being well developed; their skin is of a copper hue, of
various shades, sometimes almost of a dark brown. The hair is
jet-black, straight and thick, and never curled. The eyes are black;
and they have little or no beard. The face is generally wide, and
somewhat flattened, with but little or no projection of the cheek-bones.
Indeed, their features are often very regular; and many, except in
colour, differ but little from well-formed European countenances.