Canadian Mohawk Nation Corn Husk Display Doll: "Onoya Giyada"

Corn husk dolls, or "onoya giyada'" such as this one have been given to young Mohawk girls for centuries. The fact that the dolls have no facial features was intended to help the girls develop their imaginations.

Corn husk dolls are made out of the dried leaves or husk of a corn cob. Corn, a large grain plant, was domesticated by the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The husks, when soaked, are malleable and can be bent into the shapes of arms and legs.

Corn husk dolls slowly disappeared over the years, replaced by dried apple dolls or plastic dolls. Since the 1990s, there has been a revival in corn husk doll production.

This doll was made by Dago'le cta, whose name means cutting up. The artist's nation is Mohawk, the clan is Turtle.

Source:
Vendor materials from 5 Nations Indian Art Gallery