Contribution to Passamaquoddy Folk-Lore by J. Walter Fewkes
page 38 of 43 (88%)
page 38 of 43 (88%)
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Wee bee, _tooth_.
p'k[)u]tt, _smoke_. The object of the above list is simply to show how nearly one can obtain the sound of the word phonetically by the phonograph. It is thought to illustrate a possible use of this instrument. Vocabularies of Passamaquoddy words have been published, but as a general thing they are very incomplete. Miss Abby Alger, of Boston, has printed a short list of common words and phrases, and in Kilby's "History of Eastport" the Passamaquoddy names of certain localities, rivers, etc., are given. It is probably impossible to get the same story in all its details from two different Indians. The variations in incidents are very numerous. Consequently the observer who follows me will undoubtedly find a great difference between the tale as I give it and as he hears it. That is to be expected, nor is it probable that these stories admit of absolute accuracy as long as human memory is fallacious. These stories are _membra dejecta_ of older ones, and, although lineal descendants of ancient tales, are probably more or less modified or changed. The following are a few of the mythological characters which play a part in many of the stories of the Passamaquoddies. They are all given on one of the cylinders of the phonograph:-- _Leux._ Mischief-maker. In certain stories, simple fellow. _Kewok._ A formless being with icy heart, and when mentioned |
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