Literary notes about Xanthous (AI summary)
In literature, the term "xanthous" is frequently used to evoke a specific yellowish tone in both skin and hair, often serving as a marker of ethnic or racial distinction. For instance, in one text the author refers to a group as being of the xanthous variety, contrasting them with predominantly black-haired populations [1]. Similarly, another work notes that while a xanthous complexion is rare in urban settings, it nonetheless exists, underscoring its unique appearance [2]. Further, authors have applied the descriptor to certain ethnic groups to emphasize differences in complexion, as seen in the portrayal of Finns, Mordouines, and Votiaks as xanthous in contrast to their darker-skinned neighbors [3]. Finally, the color is used to detail hair color, where characters may possess either melanic or xanthous hair, highlighting divergent aesthetic traits within a single population [4].
- Many of the northern Tungusians, or Mantschu Tartars, are of the xanthous variety, though the majority of this nation are black-haired.”
— from Graham's Magazine, Vol. XLI, No. 3, September 1852 by Various - The xanthous complexion is rare, though not unknown in cities, but the leucous does not exist.
— from Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah — Volume 2 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir - The Laplanders are generally of a dark complexion, but the Finns, Mordouines, and Votiaks, who are allied to them in race, are xanthous.
— from Graham's Magazine, Vol. XLI, No. 3, September 1852 by Various - Their hair is variously melanic and xanthous, always long, and never woolly like that of the Negroes.
— from Graham's Magazine, Vol. XLI, No. 3, September 1852 by Various
