6o6 FEWKES 



The dramatic performances of the Hopi Indians contain 

 many elaborate theatrical representations which are practically 

 ceremonies/ but there are many where a differentiation has 

 taken place and the dramatic element has come to predom- 

 inate over the ceremonial. It would certainly be incorrect to 

 call the latter simply ceremonies, or regard them as pure re- 

 ligious rites. 



The Hopi drama has advanced to a stage of growth in ad- 

 vance of that called primitive, but it has not wholly parted 

 company from ceremony, and is still dominated by symbolism. 

 It is in a condition which finds man}^ parallels in the historical 

 development of the drama among higher races. 



There are several Hopi dramatic performances a considera- 

 tion of which would give an idea of this stage in the develop- 

 ment of the drama, but none are more characteristic than that 

 of the Great Serpent, called Palillakonti, occurring annually in 

 the March moon. 



The first printed notice of this festival is a brief mention in 

 Bourke's ' Snake Dance ' (1884) '^ ^ more extended account was 

 published in several newspapers about ten years later. The first 

 systematic study was made by the late A. M. Stephen, whose 

 notes were published in 1893.'^ 



An elaborate festival, when most of the paraphernalia used is 

 repainted and renovated, means much preparation. Several 

 days are devoted to the manufacture and adornment of masks, 

 serpent efiigies, and other objects, and on the nights of these 

 days there are rehearsals in the kivas, to which no one is ad- 

 mitted, except actors. The several acts are combined on the 

 last night in a continuous performance lasting from 9 p. m. until 

 midnight. This performance is witnessed by many spectators. 



THE GREAT SERPENT DRAMA OF THE HOPI. 



Throughout the performance at which I was present, two old 

 men who may be called the kiva chiefs sat by the fireplace in 



1 The comparatively meager literature of the drama among American abor- 

 igines is ascribed to the fact that it is universally confounded with ceremonies. 



2 This festival has nothing to do with the celebrated Hopi snake dance, which 

 contains dramatic elements of a different nature. 



3 'The Paliilakonti : A Tusayan Ceremony.' Journ. Amer. Folk Lore, pp. 

 269-282, Pis. I, II, 1893. 



