William Beynon Tsimshian manuscripts, 1930s

Collection context

Creator:
Beynon, William, 1888-1958 and Boas, Franz, 1858-1942
Abstract:
William Beynon (1888–1958) was a Tsimshian chief and ethnographer. From 1932 to 1939, Beynon sent the anthropologist Franz Boas approximately 250 transcribed narratives, compiled from interviews with tribal elders. These are known as the Beynon Manuscripts. The texts are mostly interlinear Sm'algyax and English, i.e. each line of Sm'algyax is followed by a line of literal English translation. The entire corpus is about 8,000 pages.
Extent:
5.5 Linear Feet (10 letter-sized manuscript boxes and 1 letter-sized half-manuscript box)
Language:
English , Tsimshian .
Scope and content:

The texts are mostly manuscript interlinear Sm'algyax and English, i.e. each line of Sm'algyax is followed by a line of literal English translation. The entire corpus is about 8,000 pages.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located onsite.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu