More than 20 people gathered at the Pick Museum of Anthropology at NIU for a corn husk doll making workshop on Nov. 16. The event was hosted by Christy DeLair, director of the Pick Museum, and led by Nicole Holland, advising director, NIU College of Health and Human Sciences and member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. 
“The corn husk doll, also known as the ‘no face doll,’ serves a reminder to Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people to remain humble and to take care of our responsibilities,” Holland said. “Participants had a great time fashioning their dolls and making them their own.”
Holland said she learned how to make the doll as an adolescent from other Oneida women. Over the years, she has continued making them, improving upon the skill and passing along the knowledge to others.
“Along with the lessons we learn from the story associated with the corn husk doll, passing along
traditions and knowledge helps to keep our Indigenous cultures alive,” Holland said. “When I am making dolls, it also gives me an opportunity to be creative and provides an outlet for expression and de-stressing. I love blending traditional with contemporary art, and bringing life to the dolls through patience, attention to detail and imagination.”
