Mabel Cook Cole

Mabel Cook Cole was an American folklorist and ethnographer known for her extensive work in collecting and documenting the folk tales and mythology of the Philippines. Her contributions are primarily recognized through the book 'Philippine Folk Tales,' which she co-authored with her husband, Fay-Cooper Cole, an anthropologist. Mabel's work involved the detailed documentation and preservation of indigenous stories from various ethnic groups in the Philippines, including the Tinguian, Igorot, and Mandaya peoples. Her collections have played a crucial role in preserving the rich oral traditions of these cultures and providing insight into their beliefs, customs, and societal norms. Although specific details about her early life, education, and career remain sparse, her impact on the study of folklore is evident through her dedication to compiling these stories and making them accessible to a broader audience.