Just after the turn of the century, the University of California became rather famous for its anthropology department. Edward Gifford had a lot to do with that. He and his colleagues, headed by Alfred Kroeber, contributed to the numerous fields of anthropology, but the primary area of study was the California Indians. Because of the publications of California Indians, this group of Native Americans became the most studied native people in North America.
Edward Gifford has written over 25 books all on topics such as culture studies and distribution, Native American tribes in California, artifacts found in the United States, and a few on archaeological expeditions throughout the world. One of his more famous publications is entitled, Californian Indian Nights. It was originally published in 1930 and is a collection of fabled stories that the Native Americans told around campfires. It contains folklore stories of the creation of the world, of man, of fire, of the sun, and of thunder, among others.
Edward Gifford was known as a pioneer in the Anthropology Department at the University of California. He and a handful of his colleagues are recognized as the ones who kick-started the anthropology department at their university. Due to their studies and findings, the University of California’s Anthropology Department is widely known for its coverage of Californian Indians.
Barnes and Noble book search http://www.barnesandnoble.com
No title (1/29/99) Former Link, http://www.publishaustralia.com.au/new_cat/wild/Pioneers.html (October 2006)
Written by: Chad Drury