Fewkes, Jesse Walter, 1850-1930

Biographical History

Jesse Walter Fewkes (1850-1930) was born in Newton, Massachusetts. His scientific work is separated into two distinct periods, the first dealing with marine zoology and the second devoted to ethnology. Fewkes received his Ph.D. in marine zoology from Harvard University in 1877 and remained at the Museum of Comparative Zoology in charge of the lower invertebrates until 1887. While in California on a collecting trip, Fewkes became interested in the Pueblo Indians and their culture. During the next few years, he visited Hopi villages and made some of the first recordings of Hopi music, beginning his lifelong study of tribal ceremonies. In 1895, Fewkes began to conduct archeological explorations for the Bureau of American Ethnology of the Smithsonian Institution, and in 1918, he was appointed Chief of the Bureau. After his retirement in 1928, Fewkes continued his research as Associate Anthropologist until his death in 1930.

Related entities

• Harvard University Museum of Comparative Zoology: He worked at Harvard University's Museum of Comparative Zoology in charge of the lower invertebrates.
• Smithsonian Institution. Bureau of American Ethnology: Fewkes began to conduct archeological explorations for the Bureau of American Ethnology of the Smithsonian Institution, eventually becoming Chief of the Bureau.

Birth Date

1850

Death Date

1930

Topic

• Anthropology
• Marine biologists

Form/Genre

Personal name

Occupation

• Marine biologists
• Anthropologists