Great article, begins to make some connections, Patty- perhaps you can help with this too?
4 thoughts on “Chasing Alexander W. Chase”
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The QUARTUX Journal : Critical Indigenous Perspectives
Journal of Critical Indigenous Anthropology | David G. Lewis, PhD
I added a comment to the original article – looks like ‘alakachik’ was a widely used word in SW OR. I found it in Harrington’s notes in interview with some Siuslaw and Coos speakers. It’s also used in Orville Dodge’s 1899 history of Coos County.
I’d also love to know where those drawings are Chase made! Or if they still exist. They weren’t reprinted in that article. 🙁
Yes Alikacheek or Cheek/chik was a common athapaskan word for Dentalium or shell money. I think it was for dentalium only as N Californians, SW Oregonians had other shell moneys and pine nuts too.
Hm. Now I am thinking I ought to get around to writing something about the words for dentalium in the Coos Bay & Siuslaw languages…
That would be great, I suggest reaching out to Loren Bommelyn for the words he knows.