More On Exploitation (A Big Topic)

Two further points.

(i) We are told how the Cloud People benefit from the tribute of the Tulat. The former still gather usable stone, flesh, fish, fat and skins for themselves. However, e.g., wood brought by the Tulat enables the Cloud People to build proper houses and to replace broken spearshafts. The Cloud People are thus freed to hunt further, build bigger, practice more careful and beautiful craftsmanship and to develop their culture. Historically, this is what was enabled by the accumulation of a surplus of wealth.

The Tulat, although overburdened and oppressed, also benefit from fishhooks, harpoons, needles, knives, stoneworking techniques and ideas. As in historical periods, progress is hard but is nevertheless progress.

(ii) Wanda reflects that the Tulat are not being slaughtered, "...pushed beyond their thin margin of survival..." (The Shield Of Time, p. 199) or decimated by imported diseases. Anderson at least addresses the question that I have asked. However, I still think that his description of what the Tulat have to do, gathering not for themselves but for the invaders, then hauling heavy loads over long distances for days on end, does entail that these fishers and gatherers are being pushed beyond their thin margin of survival.