Scope and Contents: This collection contains a partial copy of an unpublished and undated manuscript written by William Lewis Paul, Sr. entitled “The Alaska Tlingit, Where Did They Come From?” The manuscript discusses Paul’s background, his thoughts on the Tlingit people, contains a compilation of oral tradition, including myths, legends, genealogies, and linguistic changes relating to the origins of the Tlingit. It also contains information on certain clans and their histories, as well as certain Tlingit wars. Also includes explanation of kinship structure, including totems and taboos; and tribal organization. The manuscript contains many notations and editing marks, such as having words crossed out or added. This copy was obtained from a copy held by the National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, Maryland, Mss 7077.
Note: Those interested in further studies of William Paul should see SCRC’s Walter A. Soboleff Papers (Mss 7) and the Curry-Weissbrodt Papers.
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