Native American Cornhusk Mask
source: Wikimedia Commons
author: FA2010
Description
A photograph shows a Native American mask made of cornhusks. The mask’s structure consists of weaved corn husks with openings for the eyes and mouth. Frayed husks halo the face, reminiscent of a lion’s mane.
Date
Artifact: unknown
Photo: February 2009
Information
This cornhusk mask would have been used for ceremonial purposes in Iroquois tribes. Native American medicine men and women would sometimes use masks such as this one to ward away evil spirits as part of medical treatment.
Related Articles
Native American Health and Medicine
Trafzer, C. E., & Weiner, D. (2001). Medicine ways: Disease, health, and survival among Native Americans. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press.
Cohen, K. (2006). Honoring the medicine: The essential guide to Native American healing. New York: Ballantine Books.