American anthropologist, archaeologist, and ethologist Jesse Walter Fewkes (1850-1930) made important contributions to the understanding of Native American cultures and society. Fewkes, a Massachusetts native, acquired his undergraduate, graduate, and PhD degrees from Harvard University. Before being interested in anthropological study and fieldwork, he spent some time working as a teacher. Fewkes carried out a great deal of archaeological research, including excavations in the Southwest where he investigated the Hopi and Zuni civilizations. He was one of the first archaeologists to use stratigraphic concepts in the excavation of ancient ruins. Fewkes had a big impact on the study of music as well, notably Native American tribal music. Fewkes was a prolific writer who published several books and papers on archaeology, anthropology, and ethnomusicology in addition to his fieldwork and research. Fewkes also held the position of director of the Bureau of American Ethnology. His work remains a significant addition to the discipline of anthropology and helped to develop the scientific study of Native American civilizations.
