Contribution to Passamaquoddy Folk-Lore

Name: Contribution to Passamaquoddy Folk-Lore
Author: Jesse Walter Fewkes

By Jesse Walter Fewkes

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About This Book

The author reports experiments using the phonograph to record Passamaquoddy oral literature, arguing that acoustic cylinders capture songs, stories, and linguistic details that phonetic spelling often fails to preserve. He describes recording sessions and catalogs a variety of materials saved on cylinders—myths, ritual and dance songs, war chants, numerals, and everyday conversation—while noting archaic vocabulary, rhythmic qualities, and transcription challenges. Brief ethnographic observations on settlement locations, language decline, and younger generations' education accompany reflections on the phonograph's potential to aid future linguistic and cultural preservation.

About the Author

Jesse Walter Fewkes

Jesse Walter Fewkes was an American archaeologist and ethnologist known for his extensive studies of Native American cultures, particularly in the Southwestern United States. He served as a prominent figure in the Bureau of American Ethnology and contributed significantly to the understanding of prehistoric and historic indigenous peoples. Fewkes is recognized for his detailed reports and investigations, including works such as "Antiquities of the Mesa Verde National Park," which explores the archaeological significance of the region. His research not only documented ancient structures but also delved into the cultural practices of tribes like the Hopi, making him a key figure in the field of American archaeology.