(race) is a term which has been used to refer to native Americans, so-named because of Columbus’ mistaken first impression that, by sailing westward from Europe, he had stumbled upon Asian islands. The error was maintained despite later public awareness, giving rise to Amerindian people continuing to be referred to as Indians, and to locational names such as Indiana, Indianapolis and Indian Territory (part of the later State of Oklahoma). Many Americans have mixed Negro and Amerindian blood, and of course those people qualify for inclusion in this work. A number of musicians from sub-continental India (‘Bharat’) also perform blues or gospel music and may be listed in this work if their affinity with the music is regarded as meritorious.
See also MARDI GRAS INDIANS, at M.