Native Americans have been making corn husk dolls for their children probably from the time they've begun the agricultural process of raising and harvesting corn. Because the  brittle corn husks became soft and malleable after being soaked, they made a convenient and easily crafted toy.'

Besides being made as a doll, some tribes used them in special ceremonies of certain kinds. A corn husk doll, in a healing ceremony, was used to banish evil dreams. After being buried in the earth, it was thought that the doll would carry away the evil dreams.

  Often, the dolls were crafted by braiding and twisting several husks together, or rolling them to make legs and arms. The dried brown corn tassels were used for hair. Usually the dolls faces were left blank. Tradition says that the corn husk doll was put in charge of watching the children and keeping them safe. But  she spent so much time staring at her reflection on the water admiring her beauty, that the children were getting into trouble or getting hurt. The Creator scolded her and as her punishment, took away her face, and her power to walk and talk.

Back then, these dolls were dressed in tanned hide, decorated with quills, or dressed in husks. Sometimes they were made with the accoutrements of a warrior, or a mother, and were given cradleboards, sewing items, or bows and arrows. Prairie dolls made for settler children were dressed in scraps of cloth.

Corn husk dolls have come a long way from the early versions that Native Americans and settlers made for their children, and I do not make them in the traditional way finding the decorative items available today, along with the endless creative possibilities to create so many different ones so much more fun. I've taught how to make corn husk dolls for years and have enjoyed every moment. I hope you will too. :)