Singing the Songs of My Ancestors

<p>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.</p><p>Drawing on more than twenty years of research and oral history interviews Linda J. Goodman in <em>Singing the Songs of My Ancestors</em> presents a somewhat different point of view-that of the anthropologist/ethnomusicologist interested in Makah culture and history as well as the changing musical and ceremonial roles of Makah men and women. Her information provides a context for Helma Swan’s stories and songs. Taken together the two perspectives allow the reader to embark on a vivid and absorbing journey through Makah life music and ceremony spanning most of the twentieth century. Studies of American Indian women musicians are rare; this is the first to focus on a Northwest Coast woman who is an outstanding singer and storyteller as well as a conservator of her tribe’s cultural traditions.</p>