Ute Tales by Anne M. Smith is a rich collection of traditional stories from the Ute people, recorded during Smith’s ethnographic work among the Uinta, White River, and Uncompahgre Utes in the 1930s. The book preserves narratives from the last generation born during the preservation era, capturing the oral traditions, humor, and worldview of the Ute communities.
The 102 tales include both animal and human stories, many of which are ribald, occasionally violent, yet carefully balanced with wit and moral lessons. These narratives offer insights into Ute social norms, cultural values, and the relationship between humans, animals, and the natural world.
Complementing the transcriptions, the book features photographs by Edward Sapir (1909) and Alden Hayes (1936), providing visual context to the people and landscapes of the Ute homelands. Ute Tales is an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and general readers interested in Great Basin cultures, Native American storytelling, and ethnographic history, offering both entertainment and cultural insight.