Open Daily: 10am - 10pm | Alley door pickup 10am - 7pm 3038 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN
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  • Open Daily: 10am - 10pm
    Alley-side Pickup: 10am - 7pm

    3038 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN
    612-822-4611

Open Daily: 10am - 10pm | Alley-side Pickup: 10am - 7pm
3038 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN
612-822-4611
Singing the Songs of My Ancestors: The Life and Music of Helma Swan, Makah Elder Volume 244

Singing the Songs of My Ancestors: The Life and Music of Helma Swan, Makah Elder Volume 244

Goodman, Linda J.
Swan, Helen
Holm, Bill

Hardcover

Series: Civilization of the American Indian, Book 244

Biographies GeneralNative American History

ISBN10: 0806134518
ISBN13: 9780806134512
Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
Published: Apr 14 2003
Pages: 388
Weight: 1.93
Height: 1.08 Width: 7.22 Depth: 10.30
Language: English

Ever since she was a small child, Helma Swan, the daughter of a Northwest Coast chief, loved and learned the music of her people. As an adult she began to sing, even though traditionally Makah singers had been men. How did such a situation develop? In her own words, Helma Swan tells the unusual story of her life, her music, and how she became a singer. An excellent storyteller, she speaks of both musical and non-musical activities and events. In addition to discussing song ownership and other Makah musical concepts, she describes songs, dances, and potlatch ceremonies; proper care of masks and costumes; and changing views of Native music education. More generally, she speaks of cultural changes that have had profound effects on contemporary Makah life.

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