Gunther, Erna (1896–1982)
Gunther, Erna (1896–1982)
American cultural anthropologist. Name variations: Erna Gunther Spier. Born Erna Gunther, Nov 9, 1896, in Brooklyn, NY; died Aug 1982, in Kitsap, Washington; dau. of Casper Gunther (jeweler) and Susannah (Ehren) Gunther; graduate of Barnard College, 1919; attended Columbia University, MA, 1920, PhD, 1928; m. Leslie Spier (anthropologist), 1921 (div. 1931); children: sons Robert and Christopher.
Dissertation published as A Further Analysis of the First Salmon Ceremony (1928); performed most intensive investigations with Puget Sound Salish (1922–23), the Klallam (1924–25), and the Makah of western Washington (1930–35); made 1st scientific collection of Puget Sound folklore (1925); received 1st full-time academic appointment, with University of Washington (c. 1930); published most popular work, "Ethnobotany of Western Washington" (1945); served as chair of anthropology and director of Washington State Museum at University of Washington; resigned from Washington (1966) and became chair of anthropology at University of Alaska, Fairbanks; known for work with Native Americans of Northwest Coast and for promoting arts and crafts of Northwest Indians.