Description
Material documenting Spier's work as an anthropologist, primarily relating to American Indians. Includes correspondence on
his research on Indian cradles; comparative notes on ethnography; field notebooks, mainly on the Plains and Klamath Indians;
and material relating to Salish Indian weaving. Also includes research conducted for his book
Growth of Japanese Children Born in America and Japan and course materials for a class he taught on California Basin Plateau Indians.
Background
Leslie Spier, anthropologist, was born on December 13, 1893, in New York City where he grew up, graduating with an engineering
degree from the College of the City of New York in 1915. After meeting Franz Boas, however, he went on to obtain a doctorate
in anthropology from Columbia University in 1920. While still a graduate student he was named Assistant Anthropologist at
the American Museum of Natural History, a position he retained until 1920, when he came to Berkeley as lecturer and acting
curator in the Museum of Anthropology at the University of California.
Extent
3.3 linear feet
6 boxes, 1 carton
Restrictions
Materials in this collection may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction
of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions,
privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond
that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be
commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
Availability
Collection is open for research.