Maize Dollies

Maize Dollies

Materials:              

Green Maize leaves (8 per student) (not included)

         String 1 yard long

         Cotton balls

Legend of the Corn Doll

         The Iroquois have “Three sisters,” the sustainers of life; corn, beans, and squash. The Corn Spirit was so thrilled at being one of the sustainers 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. When the Creator was done forming the doll, with a beautiful face, it was sent to the children. The doll went from village to village playing with the children, and doing what she could for them. But, because everyone she met told her she was so beautiful, she became vain. The Creator cautioned her, and that if she continued, he would have to punish her.

         Well, one day the Corn doll glanced at the water and saw her reflection. She admired herself, because she knew she was beautiful. The Creator stepped in and sent a screech owl to snatch up her reflection. He punished her, and from then on, every Iroquois mother tells her child this story to remind them that it is wrong to thing they are better than anyone else; that the Creator has given a special gift to everyone.