Folk Lore (June 1912)

Folk Lore (June 1912)

Newspaper Clippings and Pamphlets

journal pages, scrapbook

June 1912

Lucy Lloyd (scrapbook of clippings ), Specimens of Bushman Folklore (Lucy Lloyd's scrapbook of clippings ), scrapbook (Lucy Lloyd's ), Folk Lore Society (review of "Specimens" in journal of )

"Reviews. Specimens of Bushman Folklore. Collected by the late W.H.I. Bleek and L.C. Lloyd. Edit. by the latter...etc." A detailed review of "Specimens" appearing in the journal "Folk Lore" aimed at informed readers in the scientific community. The review begins with a reference to Bleek and Lloyd's previous reports on the Bushmen for the Cape Government - "hitherto the only trustworthy account of Bushman folklore available to students" (lucky enough to possess a rare copy). The author refers to Bleek as the "Father of Bantu philology" and Lloyd as his "devoted sister-in-law". They describe "Dream's" narratives as being able to evoke a "measure of sympathy" for this "outcast race", sympathy being necessary to understand their thoughts and experiences. he writer offers the opinion that in terms of philology, the side-by-side Bushman and English texts are valuable, whereas the folklore student with prior knowledge of the Bushman language may only find the collection "occasionally useful". The author advises that perhaps not all translations are necessary side-by-side (to save printing space) and not all texts are of equal interest (to students of philology or folklore) - but they do feel that all remaining texts must be printed, especially those of value to anthropology students. The author feels that more detailed notes explaining Bushman customs and thought should be provided (e.g. marriage, death, birth rites and taboos). She hopes that the translations of texts will be printed in remaining volumes (with explanatory notes) for the urgent benefit of anthropological science, especially because the Bushmen are in such a primitive condition and so few white people have knowledge of them - and the living Bushmen are so close to passing away. The next section of the review provides an overview of |xam mythology in which the author offers her opinion on the meaning of certain mythologies such as the Early Race and their origins. The animal tales are described next as an "authoritative form" of stories published elsewhere (e.g. the Mantis) and that other animal tales, e.g. the Anteater, are perhaps as- or even more illuminating. She cross-references Bleek and Lloyd's reports in this section. In the section describing the myths concerning the Rain, Milky way and Wind the author expresses a desire for more information about observances, rites and customs - such as girls" puberty, hunting and religion given that the texts "do not carry us very far". The review praises the illustrations from the excellent plates to the Bushman drawings. The author concludes with a hope that further publications follow speedily (given the rapid decline of a "luckless race unable to adapt itself to civilisation") and that such publications would continue their tremendous value to science. If they are commercially unsuccessful (due to lack of demand in proportion to expense) they suggest the Folk Lore Society provide financial assistance. Pages of the journal in which the review is printed are numbered 257-261. Lloyd has written the name of the journal and the date of publication across the top of the review: "Folk Lore for June 1912." Page 257 features a stamp dated 27 June 1912 and "[illegible] University Press". The "255" is written in pencil on the top right hand corner of page 257. This review appeared in "Folklore" Vol. 23, No. 2 (Jun., 1912), pp. 257-261. (Taylor & Francis, Ltd.)