Item HT 25468 Musical Score - Dr H.O. Lethbridge & Arthur S. Loam, 'Australian Aboriginal Songs', Allan & Co, Melbourne, 1952

Summary

Collection of Australian Aboriginal Songs, compiled and translated by Dr. H.O. Lethbridge, with accompanying arrangements by Arthur S. Loam. Published by Allan & Co. Pty Ltd, of Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide & Bendigo. It is a collection of songs from the Maranoa district in Queensland. The melody, rhythm and words of the songs are recorded exactly, while the translation is described as 'free, but true'.

Dr Harold Octavius Lethbridge (1880-1964) was a physician and surgeon who worked with Aboriginal people for over 30 years in the early 20th century. He worked particularly with the Wiradjuri people in New South Wales and the Narrandera Museum holds many items from his private collection. A major part of his work was the collection and recording of Aboriginal songs.

Physical Description

Paper booklet of sheet music stapled in the centre. The cover is decorated with brown and black Aboriginal objects such as boomerangs and shields. The text is in black.

Significance

This publication is significant because it represents the ethnographic work of Dr Harold Octavius Lethbridge (1880-1964), physician and surgeon, who worked extensively with Aboriginal populations of remote New South Wales and Queensland communities during the early 20th century.