RECORDING SEMINOLE SONGS IN FLORIDA 



By FRANCES DENSMORE 

 Collaborator, Bureau, of American Ethnology 



A study of the music of the Seminole Indians in Florida was con- 

 tinued by the writer during 1932, as a part of her research in the 

 music of the American Indians for the Bureau of American Eth- 

 nology. During- January the work was conducted in several camps 

 within a radius of 45 miles of Miami. The various activities of the 

 people were seen and photographed, and specimens were purchased. 



In the Seminole village near Dania the process of making " coonte 

 flour " was seen. This flour, made from the root of Zainia iioridana, 

 is the staple vegetable food of the Seminole. The root is grated, mixed 

 with water, and strained through a cloth, the flour being rubbed smooth 

 between the fingers. Specimens of the plant and three grades of the 

 flour were obtained. James L. Glenn, financial clerk in charge, Semi- 

 nole Agency, Dania, extended his cooperation. 



The dug-out canoe is the only means of transportation in the 

 Everglades. An expert canoe-maker had two canoes in process of 

 construction. These were photographed and several models of canoes 

 were obtained, including an old type that the Seminole used in the 

 salt water many years ago. This model, made by Billie Motlo, one of 

 the oldest men of the tribe, was equipped with a mast and sail, the 

 rigging being of twine made from grass. 



The leader of the singing among the Seminole living in the Big- 

 Cypress Swamp is Panther (fig. 95), commonly known as Josie 

 Billie, who also treats the sick. He recorded 75 songs of the corn and 

 hunting dances as well as the alligator, catfish, quail, screech owl, and 

 other dances. This did not approach the number of songs which he 

 knew. He also related tribal stories, singing their songs, and in- 

 terpreted ancient legends related by Billie Motlo. This was a part of 

 the work done at the Musa Isle Trading Post and was made possible by 

 the courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. B. L. Lasher. 



The death of John Tiger, one of the old men of the tribe, occurred 

 in January. He had been friendly toward the writer and had given 

 her some leaves from his medicine bag saying that, in old times, he 

 " gave some of this to the boys when they took a canoe out alone in 

 deep water, so they would be safe." After the death of John Tiger, 

 his wife (fig. 96) went into the depths of the Everglades and re- 

 mained during the time appointed for isolation and mourning. 



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