Final answer:
A South American cowboy, usually of mixed Spanish & Indian ancestry, is known as a gaucho. They are recognized for their skills in horse riding and herding livestock and have a distinctive cultural presence in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil.
Step-by-step explanation:
The South American cowboy of the pampas, usually of mixed Spanish & Indian ancestry, is known as a gaucho. Gauchos are skilled horsemen and are often seen as icons within the cultures of countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. This figure is equivalent to the North American “cowboy” and has a culture and tradition that includes specific attire such as bombachas (baggy trousers), boina hats, and boots. Their lifestyle was and still is closely associated with livestock herding, and they played a critical role in the rural economy.
In contrast, a samurai was a member of the elite warrior class of Japan and followed a strict code of behavior, while a “knight” refers to the European medieval noble warriors. The term 'cowboy' generally refers to cattle herders in North America, many of whom were influenced by Mexican ranchers or vaqueros in terms of gear and herding techniques. The rich culture of the gauchos continues to be celebrated in parts of South America through music, literature, and local festivals.