Mask: Native American Cornhusk

Mask: Native American Cornhusk

Native American Cornhusk Mask

Native American Cornhusk Mask

227 × 240  453 × 480  567 × 600
726 × 768  967 × 1,024  2,448 × 2,591
license: public domain
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

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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.

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