Original Silkscreen of Music Score [R]

Ruth and Charles DeYoung Elkus were major collectors of Native American art. Had they not given their collection to the California Academy of Sciences, their efforts on behalf of the Indians of the Southwest and California might never have been properly acknowledged. Mr. Elkus was an attorney, and became aware of many problems suffered by native tribes, particularly water rights problems. He set out to remedy some of these problems, and collecting arts and crafts was a natural sideline to his major endeavor.

The Elkus’s made elaborate Christmas cards and gifts for their friends over the years. This large paper print was probably one such gift. It apparently is a song in some native language, and is translated in lower right corner.

The sheet music is embellished with ledger-type drawings of Indians on horseback, an Indian with bow and arrow, and a bison. It is printed on high quality hand-made paper. There are a couple creases to the paper and one tear on the lower right side of the paper. None of these enter the printed area. The piece is not framed.

The translation reads:

Friend, whatever hardships threaten.
If thou call me, 
I’ll befriend thee; 
All enduring fearlessly, 
I’ll befriend thee. 
from RUTH AND 
CHARLES DEY. ELKUS