 Native
American Plays,
Skits and Dramas
 The LIfe of the Corn - A drama
in 5 dances
by Alice C. Fletcher
Introduction
Introduction to the Life of the Corn.
Dance I - The Mystery
This ceremonial dance
touches upon the mystery of the giving of life
that life may be maintained; an exchange that
links together the different forms of life
and enhances the joy of living.
Dance II - The Planting
The Ritual Song
depicts the task of planting to its completion
and compares the rows of little brown hills
to lines of buffalo following one another down
the slope. With this vision, suggesting the
promise of abundant food, the workers joyfully
turn toward the home fireside.
Dance III - Life Stirring
This dance is
from the Corn Ritual Song and is a dramatization
of a visit to the planted field after the lapse
of a few weeks. Life has been stirring in the
kernels of corn that had been hidden within
the little hills, and the kernels now call
to those who had planted them to come and see
what was taking place.
Dance IV - Harvest is Near
This dance, taken
from the Corn Ritual, represents a visit to
the field later in the season when the harvest
time is near at hand.
Dance V - The Harvest
This dance represents
the bringing of the "first-fruit offering" of
the corn from the seven little hills that were
ceremonially planted after the dead leaves
of winter had been cleared away. The dancers
who follow the seven leaders carrying the cornstalks
represent the people in triumphal procession
in honor of Corn as "Mother breathing forth
life."
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