Cornhusk Doll

From the collections of PVMA • Digital image © Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Assoc. • Image use information

About this item

This doll was made by a Maliseet or Mi’kmaq person, possibly for the tourist trade in Maine or Eastern Canada. Note that it has no face.  A story among many Eastern Woodlands Indigenous peoples tells that Corn Spirit created the corhusk doll for children to enjoy. Originally, it had a face, but when the doll became vain about her beauty and her great ability to bring joy to children, her face was taken away. Now, faceless cornhusk dolls remind their owners not to dwell on their looks, but to concentrate instead on doing good for others.

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Details

Item typeToy, Game
CreatorMaliseet-Micmac
Date1800–1825
PlaceMaine; Canada
TopicTransportation, Travel, Tourism
Family, Children, Marriage, Courtship
Social Activities, Entertainment, Recreation
EraThe New Nation, 1784–1815
National Expansion and Reform, 1816–1860
MaterialPlant Product; Cloth
Dimension detailsHeight: 8.75 in
Catalog #1923.20
View this item in our curatorial database →
Maliseet-Micmac. Cornhusk Doll. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/1923-20/. Accessed on December 9, 2024.

Please note: Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.