Corn Husk Doll Workshop

Corn Husk Dolls are an ancient craft found in a variety of cultural traditions. We will be making two different forms of Corn Husk Dolls, in addition to designing and creating decorative elements to create character, in this 3-hour workshop. Corn Husk Dolls and their variations are found across the world growing out of agricultural traditions of early people, the dolls provided a home for the “Harvest Spirit” during the winter months. In America, Corn Husk Dolls originated with the Native People and were adapted by European Settlers. Used as children toys, and as part of healing & fertility ceremonies, the dolls were constructed solely out of corn husks and decorated with natural fibers. During this workshop we will be working with two different construction methods, making a small doll found in early traditions and then a large doll more specific to the Ukwakhwa people. Time will be spent after each doll to design character and dress the doll using dyed husk and other design elements. The combination of these two dolls allows students to learn the construction method and then build on those skills within the same workshop. The use of Corn Husks as a medium for construction and design provides a challenging yet engaging project for people of all ages, however the nature of this workshop is geared toward older students. Saturday Oct 29 10-1pm, $45 all materials included