Katharine Luomala facts for kids
Katharine Luomala was an American anthropologist who lived from 1907 to 1992. She was famous for studying the myths and stories of people in Oceania, which is a region of islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Quick facts for kids
Katharine Luomala
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| Born | 10 September 1907  Cloquet |
| Died | 27 February 1992 (aged 84) |
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| Occupation | Anthropologist |
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Contents
Early Life and Education
Katharine Luomala was born on September 10, 1907, in Cloquet, Minnesota. She was interested in learning about different cultures from a young age.
She went to the University of California, Berkeley for her college studies. There, she began to study anthropology. Anthropology is the study of human societies, cultures, and their development. She earned her first degree in 1931, a master's degree in 1933, and her PhD in 1936.
Research and Career
Katharine Luomala spent many years studying different cultures. Her work helped us understand how people lived and told stories.
In the 1930s, Luomala worked with the Navajo people in the United States. She wrote about how their lives were changing during that time. This early work helped her become a skilled anthropologist.
Work in Hawaii and Oceania
In 1941, she became an honorary associate at the Bishop Museum in Hawaii. She kept this position for the rest of her working life. This museum is famous for its collections related to the history and culture of Hawaii and the Pacific.
In 1946, Katharine Luomala became a professor of anthropology at the University of Hawaii. She taught and researched there until she retired in 1973.
Hawaiian Mythology
While in Hawaii, she focused on studying Hawaiian mythology. These are the traditional stories and beliefs of the Hawaiian people. She learned about their gods, heroes, and how they explained the world.
Ethnobotany in the Gilbert Islands
From 1950, she also studied the ethnobotany of the Gilbert Islands. Ethnobotany is the study of how people use plants in their culture. This included how they used plants for food, medicine, and other purposes.
Professional Recognition
Katharine Luomala was a respected member of several important groups. She was a fellow of the American Anthropological Association. She was also a member of the Anthropological Society of Hawaii and the Polynesian Society. These memberships showed her dedication to the field of anthropology. She was also part of academic honor societies like Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi.
