Cushing, Frank Hamilton

Cushing, Frank Hamilton

(1857–1900) ethnologist; born in North East, Pa. A boyhood fascination with Indian artifacts was fulfilled with his appointment at the Bureau of American Ethnology (1879–1900). Regarded as a genius of interpretation, he made major contributions to the young field by living among the Zuni for five years (he was initiated into the tribe as Ténatsali) and excavating Hohokam and Seminole sites.

The Cambridge Dictionary of American Biography, by John S. Bowman. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995. Reproduced with permission.