The Eskimo Songs of Northwestern Alaska

Authors

  • Thomas F. Johnston

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14430/arctic2783

Keywords:

Copper Eskimos

Abstract

The findings are presented of ethnomusicological research in several Eskimo communities of northwestern Alaska where traditional music is still popular. In some of these communities, particularly at Point Hope, musical ceremonialism is considerable. There are three main classes of songs in use: game songs, songs-within-stories and dance songs. Song styles and dance styles differ from those of the Eskimo communities of southwestern Alaska, reflecting not only the ceremonialism formerly associated with whaling in the north, but also language differences.

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Published

1976-01-01