During this month of gratitude, the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is hosting a Corn Husk Weaving Workshop on Saturday, November 23rd at 1 p.m. Participants will learn the ancient art of weaving beauty from simple cornhusks into a seasonal craft perfect for gift giving.
Originating in South America, corn didn’t reach New England until about 1000 years ago. Corn was a useful crop that wasn’t grown just as a source of food. Many Native American traditions like the Three Sisters Garden, stories, and ceremonies like the Green Corn Festival encompass the importance of corn including weaving art and everyday items from cornhusks.
A cornhusk is the outer leaf of the corn plant that protects the cob as it grows. Most of the time, this green outer shell is thrown out after corn is harvested. Readily available during the fall harvest season, skilled Native Americans and other artisans collect the husks and dry them until they turn an attractive shade of golden brown and are ready to be woven.
At this workshop participants will join an IAIS educator for a hands-on class where they will create crafts made from cornhusks that are perfect for the holiday season to take home. Weaving with cornhusks has been around for thousands of years in Native American culture and this workshop presents a rare opportunity to experience a bit of Native American culture.
