Modoc Indian Songs and Documentation

Collection

Identifier: SHL002

Staff Only

Scope and Contents note

This collection consists of two audio tape cassettes of Modoc Indian songs recorded by Leslie Spier in 1934 and accompanying documentation. Series I: Modoc Indian Songs includes songs are sung in Modoc, and possibly Paiute, Pit River, Klamath, and Shasta. Song topics include puberty songs, love songs, healing songs, and Ghost Dance songs. A number of song titles are undocumented. Recorded by Leslie Spier, possibly with assistance from Earl W. Count, in California in 1934. The tapes are second generation audio tapes, copies of cylinders. Sound quality is fair to poor.

Both tapes are numbered 54-038-F. One tape is a copy of EC 10" 984.2--41 on Side A and a copy of EC 10" 984.42--67 on Side B. The second tape is a copy of ATL 1124.31-32 on Side A. Side B of the second tape is blank.

Series II: Documentation includes a draft manuscript with English translations of some of the songs prepared by Earl W. Count with handwritten notes by George Herzog. English translations of some songs that were not recorded are also part of the draft manuscript. Musical notations by Earl W. Count of some of the recorded songs and some unrecorded songs are also included.

Dates

Creation: 1934

Creator

Spier, Leslie (Person)

Conditions Governing Access note

The collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use note

Before materials from the Shaw Historical Library may be quoted in print or otherwise reproduced in whole or in part in any publication, exhibit, broadcast or other manner, the user must obtain permission from the owner of the physical property and the holder of the copyright. Copyright status for collections in the Shaw Historical Library varies. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Biographical Note

Leslie Spier (December 13, 1893 – December 3, 1961) studied the Klamath Indians as well as Plains Indians and Indians of the Southwest during his career as an anthropologist. In 1920 he obtained his doctorate in anthropology from Columbia University and went on to work for the American Museum of Natural History and several major universities, spending the longest part of his career at the University of New Mexico. He conducted extensive field work, authored a number of important monographs, including Klamath Ethnography (1930) and served as editor of several important anthropological publications.

Singers on the recordings include Celia Lynch, Mrs. Usie George, Lizzie Schonchin and Peter Schonchin. Peter Schonchin (ca. 1858-1939) fought in the Modoc War. He was the son of Schonchin John, one of the Modoc leaders executed after the war. Lizzie Robinson Schonchin (1858-1940) was Peter's fifth wife. Celia Lynch (1853-1940) was a Modoc tribal member very knowledgeable about traditional practices.

Extent

1 box

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Leslie Spier recorded traditional songs sung by several Modoc tribal members in 1934. The collection consists of two audio tape cassettes of Modoc Indian songs and accompanying documentation.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note

Audio cassette player required. Please contact library prior to visit.

Location note

Shaw Historical Library

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

Copied for the Shaw Historical Library by the Archives of Traditional Music, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.

Existence and Location of Originals note

Leslie Spier deposited a collection of 7 12-inch, acetate, 78 rpm discs with the Archives of Traditional Music at Indiana University in Bloomington. The discs are first generation copies of the original cylinders.