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Contact information: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.afc/folklife.contact
Catalog Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/2004659951
Sound recordings in the Omaha language and in English.
Manuscript, sound recordings, and graphic materials collected by Alan Jabbour and
Laurel McIntyre during four visits in 1999 to Macy, Nebraska, in an effort to
identify sound recordings and photographic images from the American Folklife
Center's Omaha Indian collections. This project was undertaken as part of the
National Digital Library Program's effort to obtain information on materials to be
used in the
Hethu’shka song translations and contextual information were gathered in recorded interviews with Omaha tribe members Rufus White, Elmer Blackbird, and Morgan Lovejoy. The interviewees listened to and commented on sound recordings from the collections of the American Folklife Center. These included Hethu’shka songs from the 1890s, the 1983 Omaha harvest celebration pow-wow, Alan Jabbour’s 1983 interview with John Turner, and the Hethu’shka Society performance in the 1985 Neptune Plaza Concert Series at the Library of Congress. The interviews are conducted by Alan Jabbour and Laurel McIntyre. Dennis Hastings, director of the Omaha Tribal Historical Research Project, was consulted throughout this project for help identifying subjects in photographs.
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the LC Catalog. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically.
The manuscripts and graphic images are arranged chronologically. Each roll of film has been housed in an individual negative sleeve and prints from each roll of film are housed and grouped together in individual folders. Original posters are housed as oversized materials.
Duplication of the collection materials may be governed by copyright and other restrictions.
Listening copies of the recordings are available at the Folklife Reading Room and excerpts are available online at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.afc/collafc.af000007.
Collection is open for research. To request materials, please contact the Folklife Reading Room at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.afc/folklife.contact.
Reference copies of materials from this collection were given to the Omaha Branch of the Nebraska Indian Community College (NICC).
Omaha Indian interviews collection, 1999 (AFC 1999/014) Archive of Folk Culture, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress.
Alan Jabbour and Laurel McIntyre conducted and recorded the interviews and took the photographs in this collection for the American Folklife Center.
Laurel McIntyre processed the collection and managed the digitization of the materials. Nancy Yan wrote the original draft of the finding aid in August 2002, including materials not previously processed. Kimberly Peach completed the next draft of the finding aid in November 2005. Finding aid was completed and encoded by Kelly Revak in December 2016.
Portions of this collection are available in the online collection
The present collection was a result of preparatory work on the
The present collection contains context, commentary and identifications related to
the following collections which are also included in the online presentation:
Gift documentation.
Administrative correspondence regarding planning and follow-up of interviews.
Administrative correspondence, invoices, and contracts regarding hiring and payment for consultants.
Short and final reports for each trip to Macy, Nebraska.
Short and final reports for each trip to Macy, Nebraska.
Dennis Hastings notes and identifications of photographs from the 1983 Omaha Pow-Wow.
Preservation photocopies of original posters.
Final and draft copies of sound recording logs.
Photocopies of notes on the backs of sound recording containers.
Includes: Rufus White’s translations of Omaha and commentary on songs
sung by the Host Drum and the Tai Piah Singers during the 1983 Omaha
pow-wow (AFC 1986/038); White’s commentary on ten Hethu’shka songs that
are included on
Includes playback of and commmentary on Gourd Dance Song, Grand Entry Song (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0376-0388).
Notes from interview: The Gourd Dance Society was performing at the pow-wow. In the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, gourd dance songs have been used for social gatherings. The Omaha have used them for birthday celebrations or as veterans' songs. Some gourd dance songs have words, and others do not. Three Gourd Dances, which were not recorded, preceded this song.
Notes from interview: The Gourd Dance Society was performing at the pow-wow. In the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, gourd dance songs have been used for social gatherings. The Omaha have used them for birthday celebrations or as veterans' songs. Some gourd dance songs have words, and others do not. This song does not have words.
Notes from interview: The Gourd Dance Society was performing at the pow-wow. In the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, gourd dance songs have been used for social gatherings. The Omaha have used them for birthday celebrations or as veterans' songs. Some gourd dance songs have words, and others do not.
Notes from interview: The Gourd Dance Society was performing at the pow-wow. In the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, gourd dance songs have been used for social gatherings. The Omaha have used them for birthday celebrations or as veterans' songs. Some gourd dance songs have words, and others do not.
Notes from interview: The Gourd Dance Society was performing at the pow-wow. In the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, gourd dance songs have been used for social gatherings. The Omaha have used them for birthday celebrations or as veterans' songs. Some gourd dance songs have words, and others do not.
Includes playback of and commmentary on Flag Song, Hethu’shka songs (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0389-0391).
Notes from interview: This is one of two National Anthem songs that the Omaha sing. It welcomes veterans. A drum is used with this Flag Song. For another Flag Song that is used, there is not a drum. The Flag Song is, in general, only used during the annual pow-wow.
Rufus White translates the song: "When he went over there, he put up an American flag."
Rufus White translates the song: "Get up and dance and enjoy yourself. Hurry up and get up." White compares the beat of the drum with the sound of buffalo. He refers to Charlie Edwards.
Rufus White translates the song: "Get up and dance." Notes from interview: This is a traditional song. White has heard this song sung during the Oklahoma pow-wow and tells of the connections that songs can bring about. Hearing the song made him feel like dancing.
Rufus White translates the song: "When I came to your village, I saw your spirit and was thinking of you. My spirit is still here." Notes from interview: The person who made the song cried as he sang it. He saw the spirit as he was singing.
Notes from interview: Arena directors used to usher in dancers. There didn't used to be a Grand Entry. The Omaha started using a Grand Entry during the annual pow-wow around the early 1970s.
Includes playback of and commmentary on Hethu’shka songs (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0392-0393).
Rufus White translates the song: "The young man is coming home. Get something ready for him." Words include "God help us. Pity us. Thank you for the beautiful things that we can share with one another." Notes from interview: This song has a lot of meaning. The man made four stops before he returned to his people because he was proud that he could bring them food. He saved people's lives. He gave sick elderly people four spoonfulls of everything for four days. Today, things continue to be done four times. For example, four Hethu'shka (Warrior) Songs are sung at the beginning of each pow-wow program and the pow-wow lasts for four days. Emcee Clifford Wolfe, Sr., who was speaking during the song, was saying that it was really good to hear the old songs.
Rufus White translates the song: "When I got up, something was tapping my shoulder." Notes from interview: The wolves were hollering and woke the person up. The person was fasting, but he fell asleep during the last morning of the four days.
Includes playback of and commmentary on Whipman’s Song (Call Number: AFC 1986/038: 0397), and information about his family and John Turner.
Rufus White translates the song: "Get up. Stand up." Notes from interview: This song is for the whipman, or the head man dancer. A long time ago, whipmen were called Omaha scouts. Three or four men used to encourage people to get up.
Includes playback of and commmentary on Tail Dancer’s Song, Pow-wow Princess, General Dancing, Hethu’shka songs (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0398-0402).
Notes from interview: This is an honoring song without words.
Rufus White translates the song: "I'm coming. I'm coming to you." Notes from interview: This song was for Melanie Parker, the pow-wow princess.
Rufus White translates the song: "The warriors are being honored." Notes from interview: This song has two words.
Notes from interview: This is a song without words.
Rufus White translates the song: "God, look at me. It was hard for me to be a warrior." Notes from interview: One must be honored in order to be a warrior. This song has a lot of meaning for the Omahas.
Includes playback of and commmentary on Horses Are Afraid of the Enemy Song, General Dancing Song, Hethu’shka songs (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0403-0405, 0413).
Notes from interview: This is a song without words. It is used to encourage people to dance.
Rufus White translates the song: "The enemies are coming. The horses are holding back. They don't want to go to fight the enemy."
Notes from interview: This is one of numerous "Sioux" songs.
Includes playback of and commmentary on Hethu’shka songs, Honoring Song, Horse Song, Contest Song Warm-Up (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0414-0415, 0418-0420, 0438).
Notes from interview: This is a song without words.
Notes from interview: This song was intended to welcome other tribes.
Notes from interview: This is an older traditional war dance song. It does not have any words.
Notes from interview: This is a fast song!
Includes playback of and commmentary on Contest Song, Hethu’shka songs, Half-Breed Song, Grand Finale, Grand Entry, Flag Song (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0439-0440, 0446, 0451-0452, 0454-0458).
Rufus White translates the song: "Pity him. They (the Omahas) wounded him." Notes from interview: There are two ways that this song could be sung. This is one of the four traditional songs sung at the beginning of the pow-wow, but its wording is a little different. This is sung from the point of view of the enemy.
Notes from interview: Louie Saunsoci made this song for half-breeds. It was sung for Louie Dick.
Rufus White translates the song: "When you went overseas, you made a stand so that the flag could be raised. When you returned, you brought the flag back. You saved our lives." Notes from interview: This song is usually sung at the end of a program; it is a quitting song.
Rufus White translates the song: "Stand up. We are going out."
Includes playback of and commmentary on Hethu’shka Song, Tail Dancer’s Song (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0459-0460, 0462).
Notes from interview: This is a song without words. The other drum was helping the Host Drum, and the Whipman's Song was not actually sung.
Rufus White translates the song: "Get up and dance. Get up! Get up and dance!" Notes from interview: This is another song that was used for the tail dancers.
Includes playback of and commmentary on Tiny Tots’ Shawl Dance Contest Song, Junior Girls’ Shawl Dance, Tiny Tots’ Fancy Dance, Little Boys’ Fancy Dance, Junior Boys’ Fancy Dance (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0472, 0474-0475, 0477, 0480-0481, 0483, 0485).
Rufus White translates the song: "Hurry up. Get up." Notes from interview: This song has two words.
Rufus White translates the song: "Stand up. Get up." Notes from interview: This is a "straight traditional song" without words.
Notes from interview: This is a really old song. The song was made for a medicine man who brought his wagon into the arena. He was grateful for the song and hollered around the drum four times. He gave gifts to everyone. John Turner sang a similar song.
Rufus White translates the song: "Run fast. Run as fast as you can. The people are whistling by." Notes from interview: This is a contest song that was made for fancy dancers. The horse was running and came to a complete stop, just as the fancy dancers do.
Rufus White translates the song: "Hurry up. Go as fast as you can. Get away from the one who is chasing." Notes from interview: Anyone, including non-Omahas, could request that this song be sung. It belongs to everybody.
Notes from interview: This is a Kiowa song. The man who made the song requested that the Host Drum sing it. He paid the singers, as is customary when a request is made.
Rufus White translates the song: "When you're getting out there, holler. When you're enjoying yourself, holler." Notes from interview: The song from which this contest song was made has two words.
Notes from interview: This is a song without words. It can be sung for anyone.
Includes playback of and commmentary on Junior Boys’ Fancy Dance, Song for All Dancers, Song for Paul Brill Special, Regular Pow-wow Song, Junior Girls’ Shawl Dance (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0486-0487, 0489, 0493-0494, 0496).
Rufus White translates the song: "Duck and run. The enemy is throwing something at you. Run away as fast as you can." Notes from interview: This song has a lot of meaning to the Omahas.
Rufus White translates the song: "I don't have any friends." Notes from interview: This song was made by an old man while he was fasting. He made the song for his grandson who now lives in Germany. It conveys that a person may not have friends when he or she is in a new place. It is a song that can be used for all dancers.
Rufus White translates the song: "God, watch over us. I am the warrior, but it is hard for me to take this position." Notes from interview: Paul Brill, who used to work on the Omaha reservation, requested this song.
Rufus White translates the song: "You made the other tribes cry."
Includes playback of and commmentary on Little Boys’ Fancy Dance, Tiny Tots’ Traditional Cloth Dance, Little Girls’ Traditional Cloth Dance, Junior Girls’ Traditional Cloth Dance, Little Boys’ Traditional Dance (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0498, 0502, 0504, 0506-0507, 0511, 0513).
Rufus White translates the song: "The people are making a circle and are protecting their little ones." ("This is just what buffalo do.").
Rufus White translates the song: "You're saying the things that I'm hollering out to you. You're praising us." Notes from interview: This song, like other contest songs, is relevant to specific age groups. Even if the contest song does not have words, it does have meaning.
Rufus White translates the song: "When you dance, make noise out there. Put your feet out there and run. Make all the noise you can." Notes from interview: This is a song without words.
Includes playback of and commmentary on Giveaway Song, Grand Finale, Grand Entry, Flag Song, Whipman’s Song, Tail Dancer’s Song, Junior Boys’ Traditional Dance, Women’s Shawl, Women’s Traditional Cloth Dance (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0523, 0526, 0537-0542, 0544-0545, 0554, 0557-0558, 0560-0561, 0563-0564).
Notes from interview: This is one of the oldest songs that is still sung by the Omahas. This is a song without words, with the exception of "sage." (Sage is used in the Native American Church.)
Rufus White translates the song: "I'm coming into the arena. Watch me." Notes from interview: This is an old traditional song that was saved for a contest song during the pow-wow.
Rufus White translates the song: "He was riding a horse. He fell off the horse, and then he started running. The horses are waiting, and we have just returned from war. I'm coming. Look at me."
Includes playback of and commmentary on Women’s Traditional Buckskin Dance, Sneak Up, Memorial Song for Mr. and Mrs. John Turner (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0567-0569, 0572-0573).
Rufus White translates the song: "Another tribe is standing there."
Notes from interview: John Turner made this song for his children. Many families have their own songs that are used during specials.
Includes playback of and commmentary on Flute Song, Hethu’shka Song, Contest Song, Women’s Shawl Contest, Women’s Traditional Coth Dance, Fancy Dancers’ Songs. (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0576-0580, 0583, 0585, 0587, 0590-0593)
Includes playback of and commmentary on Fancy Dancers’ Contest Song, Traditional Dancers’ Contest Song, Contest Songs, Veterans Song, Farewell Song (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0594-0595, 0599-0600, 0603-0611, 0613, 0616).
Includes playback of and commmentary on Family Song, Flag Song, Grand Finale Song, Grand Entry Song, Hethu’shka, Whipman’s Song, Tail Dancer’s Song, Song for Two Tail Dancers (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0619, 0621-0622, 0627-0632, 0635-0636, 0639).
Includes playback of and commmentary on Green Corn Dance Song, Hethu’shka, Pow-wow Princess Candidate Song, Contest Song for Clowns, Men’s Fancy Dance Contest Song, Men’s Traditional Contest Song (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0643, 0645-0647, 0651, 0653, 0655, 0657-0658, 0661).
Includes playback of and commmentary on Men’s Traditional Contest Song, Fancy Dance Songs, Contest Song for Clowns, Whipman’s Song, Song during Joe Harlan Jr. Special, Contest Song, Traditional Song for Everybody, announcement of Pow-wow Princess, an unidentified song (Call Numbers: AFC 1986/038: 0662, 0664-0665, 0668-0672, 0674-0675, 0679, 0683, 0687-0688, 0690, 0692, 0696-0697).
Up to 3rd Hethu’shka song.
Neptune Plaza Concert continued. 4th Hethu’shka song with commentary by Tribal Council Chairman Elmer Blackbird and Rufus White. Chairman Blackbird also talks about the Omaha language and provides biographical information about himself.
Neptune Plaza Concert continued. Hollis Stabler’s story, most of first Hethu’shka song (38:28 on side B). Rufus White’s translations of Omaha spoken during the 1983 pow-wow and commentary.
Neptune Plaza Concert continued. Tail of first Hethu’shka song on Side B, Sneak Up, Buffalo Dance, Quitting Song, closing remarks/story by Rufus White and continued Omaha language translations of 1983 pow-wow with commentary.
Morgan Lovejoy comments on the invocation he delivered at the 1985 Library of Congress concert and then provides biographical information about himself. (In providing biographical information, he concentrated on his discovering that he had tuberculosis (in the fifth grade), his experience in WWII, and his job as a groundskeeper.)
Rufus White translates the introduction that John Turner gave during the February 24, 1983 interview with Alan Jabbour. In addition, Rufus tells about how he (Rufus) learned to sing and play the drum.
Description of photographs regarding trip to Macy, Nebraska and work done at Library of Congress with contact sheets
Images of American Folklife Center staff, Omaha tribal informants, during April through October 1999 trips to Macy, Nebraska as well as work spaces at the Library of Congress Photographed people include: Chairman Elmer Blackbird, Alan Jabbour, Rufus White, Nato Merrill, Dennis Hastings, Joy Neihardt, John G. Neihardt, Robin Neihardt, Chuck Trimble, Janyce Falcon Hunt, Laurel McIntyre, Edward R. Thomas, Linda Robinson, Rudi Mitchell, Therese Dunn, Nikki Zeichner, Maxine White, Rachel Howard, Christa Maher, Tom Bramel, Nathan Georgitis, Morgan Lovejoy, Charles Lovejoy, Peggy Bulger, Jim Hardin, Peter Bartis, Doris Craig, and Nora Yeh. Primarily photographed by Laurel McIntyre.
Prints from April 1999 trip to Macy, Nebraska. Photographer, Laurel McIntyre unless otherwise noted.
Photographer, Alan Jabbour
Prints from July 1999 trip to Macy, Nebraska. Photographer, Laurel McIntyre.
Prints from August 1999 trip to Macy, Nebraska. Photographer, Laurel McIntyre.
Prints from August 1999 trip to Macy, Nebraska. Photographer, Laurel McIntyre.
Administrative files related to the creation and processing of the collection.