The Traditional Craft of Corn Husk Dolls

Most toys today are made of plastic in a factory. But long before plastic existed, people made dolls out of whatever they had left over from the harvest. Corn husks were perfect for this.

Soaking The Husks

Dried corn husks are stiff and brittle. If you try to bend them, they just crack. So the maker has to soak them in warm water first.

After a few minutes, the husks get soft and flexible. They feel a bit like wet leather. You have to work with them while they are damp. If they dry out while you are folding them, you just dip them back in the water.

Tying The Body

You do not need a needle or thread to build the doll. It is all about folding and tying.

The maker takes a few husks and ties them near the top to make a head. Then they fold the husks down to create the chest and skirt. They roll up a separate husk to make the arms and slide it right through the middle of the body. Everything is held together with tight string or thin strips of torn husk.

Adding The Details

Corn husk dolls traditionally do not have faces. The focus is on the shape of the clothing.

Makers can braid husks to make hair. They can tear the bottom pieces to make a full skirt or tie them off to make legs. Once the doll is finished, the maker sets it aside to dry. As the husks dry, they lock into place and hold their shape for years.