The Penobscot people are among the various tribes we have read about in Erodes and Ortiz’s Native American Myths and Legends. Located in the northeastern region of the United States, Penobscot indians resided, and continue to today, mostly in modern day Maine, primarily clustered around the Penobscot River on Indian Island. They, along with several other neighboring tribes, are collectively know as Wabanaki, meaning “people of the dawn.” The tribes name, Penobscot, means “where the rocks open out,” which originates from the Abnaki word panáwahpskek, and directly refers to their geographic proximity to the “opening” that is the Penobscot River. Being so close to the river, it is no surprise that the Penobscots relied heavily on it for sustenance, thriving mostly as hunters and gatherers, feeding on small and large game, seafood, marine mammals, and various nuts and berries. Though some agriculture was practiced, the Penobscots did not rely on it as heavily as some other indian tribes throughout the nation. However, when animal populations grew scarce during the winter months, agricultural growth and sustenance became very important.
In my research, I found that the role of women has been, and continues to be, a vital element to their society. Women were crucial in terms of health and balance of the entire tribe, as they birthed and raised future leaders. They were typically sought after for wisdom and guidance with the eldest female overseeing all domestic affairs of the family. Chiefs were wise to listen to the grandmothers and grandmother’s powers were highly regarded and respected (http://www.penobscotculture.com/). With that in mind, it is not surprising that “Corn Mother” centers around a female character who provides for her people through the sacrifice of her own body. The story even specifically references the tribe’s traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle and how it could potentially lead to a depletion of resources, explaining that, “Now the people increased and became numerous. They lived by hunting, and the more people there were, the less game they found. They were hunting it out, and as the animals decreased, starvation came upon the people” (12). In this instance, it is their lifestyle choices that bring them harm, and the First Mother who restores hope and balance. This story, therefore, illustrates some of the traditional ways of the Penobscot people, as well as elements of their value system and their gender roles and expectations.
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