Traditional Corn Husk Doll Making

Along with your trip to the Historical Society's Corn Fest, stop by HMPL to make your own doll out of corn husks.

Originating with Native Americans and later adopted by European settlers, many kids around the world still make and play with them.

By weaving and braiding corn husks, the natives would construct doll-like figures for children. When finished, they would be decorated with more corn husk or fabric clothing. Horsehair could be used as the doll’s hair, and sometimes flowers or beads were used to further decorate the doll. 

Although corn husk dolls were considered a children’s toy, they were sometimes used during healing ceremonies or to ward off evil dream spirits. Many thought these dolls were magical charms that helped protect the home, livestock, crop, and overall health. 

We'll provide the husks and decorating materials and you provide the creativity!