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

by Linda J. Goodman and Helen Swan

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0806168684
• ISBN13: 9780806168685
• Release Date: January 2021
• Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
• Length: 388 Pages
• Weight: 1.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

A personal and engaging look into Makah culture and life.

As an occasional visitor to the Makah Reservation (relatives live in Clallam Bay and Neah Bay) I really found this book interesting because it took me into the world in a very different way than I'd ever gone before. The history that Helma Swan shared as well as her own history make for a unique story. If you're interested in American Indian culture and in the individuals themselves this is a good book to read as it has plenty of both.