CORN DANCE FROM HANDBOOK OF AMERICAN INDIANS

Accompanying text reads:

CORN DANCE

Or TABLETA DANCE, from ‘tablets’ on the women’s heads; often the principal fiesta ceremony of the pueblos. Two main division of the pueblo, the Summer and Winter People, form two dance teams which alternate, returning between dances to their respective headquarters or kiva. Each team in the larger pueblos may number ninety dancers with as many more in each chorus; they may dance the last afternoon dance at nearly the same time, intermingling, each following its own drum beat.

Gestures of the chorus are a sign language for invoking clouds, rain and growth. The tall banner is emblematic of all life: eagle and macaw feathers are seen ocean shells are said to be attached, a fox fur hangs over a strip like the dance kilt of hand-spun native cotton.

An origin myth relates that the supernatural Mother who ruled wished her people to have a public dance which all could enjoy. War Captain (still a dance director in the pueblos) was pleased and made prayer sticks to try to bring the legendary character called Koshari- ‘he who talks a lot and seems to know everything’ - to instruct dancing. The black and white painted dancers are privileged clowns from Koshare Society. They have a dual role as they are said also to represent the sprits of the remembered dead.

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