From The Message Tree Craft Room The legend of the Cornhusk or Faceless Doll Submitted By: Ann Crabtre History:      Cornhusk dolls are one of the oldest forms of dolls known in the Americas. The Iroquois have a legend about the "faceless doll." It seems that the first cornhusk doll was made to be the companion for a little Indian girl.       The story tells us that the Iroquois people have what they call the three sisters, the "sustainers of life". These sisters are called corn, beans, and squash. The corn Spirit was so thrilled at being one of the sustainers of life that she asked the Creator what more she could do for her people. The Creator said that a beautiful doll could be formed from the husks. The Creator set to work to form the doll. When finished he gave the doll a beautiful face, and sent it to the children of the Iroquois people to play with, and to make them happy.      The doll went from village to village playing with the children and doing whatever she could for the children. Everywhere she went everyone would tell her how beautiful she was, so after a while she became vain. The Creator spoke to her and explained that this was not the right kind of behavior, and she agreed not to be this way anymore. The Creator told her that if she continued with this behavior he would punish her, but he would not tell her how he would do it. She agreed not to act that way again, and things went on as before.      One afternoon she was walking by a creek and she glanced into the water. As she admired herself, she couldn't help thinking how beautiful she was, because indeed she was beautiful. At this time the Creator sent a giant screech owl out of the sky and it snatched her reflection from the water. When she looked again, she had no reflection. This was the punishment the Creator put upon her.      When an Iroquois Mother makes a doll for her child, she tells them this legend which is to remind the child that it is wrong to think they are better then any one else, and they must know that the Creator has given a special gift to everyone. Just as our Native American ancestors made corn husk dolls, you can too! Directions for making your doll: 1.You will need the husks from one or two ears of corn for a 6" doll. (Note:--- or you can buy the husks from your local grocery store.) This should take you about 1 hour to make. 2. Soak cornhusks (that have been thoroughly dried beforehand) for 10 minutes in warm water. 3. Bundle thin end of 6 leaves around 'hair', slick side of leaves inward. Tie tightly. (see Illustration #1) 4a. Peal leaves around to form head. Hair should sprout up in the middle. (see Illustration #2) 4b.Tie neck area tightly. 5. Braid 3 strips of a leaf into a 6 inch piece for the arms. (see Illustration #3) 6. Braid 2 more lengths in he same way to use later for the 2 legs. (see Illustration #4) 7. Put arms under neck. Insert rolled leaf to fill out and form body. Tie waist area. 8. Insert legs and secure by tying 2 leaves front to back, then trim excess below waist. 9. Wrap and tie one or two strips around top of legs to form hips. (see Illustration #5)      In addition to their use for amusement, some cornhusk dolls are used in sacred healing ceremonies.      A type of Iroquois cornhusk doll was made in response to a dream. The doll was then discarded, put back to earth to carry away the evil of the dream.      Both boy and girl dolls are made using the corn silk tassel for hair. Feet and body are stuffed with leaves and tied while arms and legs are made from braided or rolled husks. Dolls measure anywhere between four and ten inches tall. Sometimes a face is drawn, or red dots are painted for cheeks; but more often than not the doll's face is left blank.      The dolls are often dressed in cornhusks, animal hide or cloth but some are made without clothing. Personal equipment is produced for many dolls, and this helps children practice to prepare the things needed for everyday life. Girl dolls would be given cradleboards, hoes, sewing kits or other women's things, while boys could be provided with bows and arrows, canoe paddles and warrior's gear. Good Luck, and Happy Crafting!