Name/Title
"The Basques"Entry/Object ID
2004.031.029Scope and Content
Photocopy of a handbill on the history of the Basque people.
The Basque people of the Pyrenees call themselves "Euzkaldunak," and their land "Euskal Herria" or "Euskadi," a name which may be derived from the Basque word for "sun." There are four Basque provinces in Spain and three in France, although the Basque people don't consider themselves Spanish or French. The author of this handbill discussed the mystery of the origins of the Basque people, the complex Basque language, and their reputation as fierce warriors. The author also briefly related the history of the primitive people of Spain.
Author followed up history of Iberians with note about how the Basques were favored by the Spanish, and then severely oppressed. Stripped of their liberties, young Basque men started migrating to North and South America. "The first record of the Basque in North America was when they came to California in the Gold Rush of 1849. They found little gold. From California they moved east into Nevada, Utah and Idaho and accepted any sort of honorable occupation to survive. Some of the Basques accepted jobs as sheepherders, even though most of the Basques had never herded sheep in their native land. Because they brought in fat lambs with very little herd losses they were soon sought after by sheep raisers. Since that time their fame as sheepherders has become widely known."
The author then mentioned notable Basques throughout history and discussed seafaring, sports, and dance. The largest colony of Basques outside of their native land is in the Boise Valley. The second largest concentration is believed to be in the San Joaquin Valley in California.