Atakapa materials, Samuel George Morton Papers
Language: English
Date: 1834; 1839
Contributor: Powell, W. Byrd (William Byrd), 1799-1866 | Barabino, Joseph
Subject: Grave robbing | Human remains | Skulls | Phrenology | Anthropometry
Type: Text
Genre: Correspondence
Extent: 2 items
Description: Letters discussing grave robbing of Indigenous ancestors' remains. Letters from Joseph Barabino and William Byrd Powell regarding American Indian skulls and phrenology. Barabino informs Morton that he will visit Atakapas to secure skulls for Morton; he cannot identify the late Dr. Lebair's skulls. Powell compares Atakapa and Natchez skulls, criticizes Morton's use of single examples from each tribe, discusses his desire to take 500 specimens on a phrenological speaking tour in England, criticizes Combe's comments in Crania Americana, and alludes to a professional dispute.
Collection: Samuel George Morton Papers Mss.B.M843