American Folklife Center Goathland, North Yorkshire, sword dance photograph collection, .

Goathland, North Yorkshire, sword dance photograph collection, .

Collection

Identifier: AFC 1983/007

Scope and Content Note

A collection of photographs of the Plough Stots Long Sword team from Goathland, North Yorkshire, England in candid shots, formal poses, and in dance performance. Includes images of long swords, costume, and musical instruments.

Dates

Creation: ca. 1912-1950

Language of Materials

Collection materials in English.

Access and Restrictions

Collection is open for research. To request materials, please contact the Folklife Reading Room at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.afc/folklife.contact

Copyright Status

Duplication of the photographs may be governed by copyright and other restrictions.

Biographical Note

In 1922, the Goathland Plough Stots were revived from local memory by Frank W. Dowson, who is identified in notes (as "Dawson") on the reverse of some of these photographs. The Goathland Plough Stots is one of Yorkshire's traditional long sword dance teams of 6 to 8 dancers, who perform a dance that ends with swords in the formation of a "lock", which in this case resembles a Star of David. The teams traditionally dance in January on Plough Monday, the Monday following the feast of Epiphany, and at other times during the year.

Extent

7 photographic prints : black and white ; 6 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.

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Additional Description

Abstract

A collection of black-and-white photographic prints, circa 1912 to 1950 of the Plough Stots Long Sword team from Goathland, North Yorkshire, England, in candid shots, formal poses, and in dance performance. Includes images of long swords, costumes, musical instruments, and the characters of Bessy (or Betty), Poss (Toss Pot) and Old Man. The identity of the photographer is unknown.