Dolls

These unique hand-crafted dolls harken back several centuries, when natives in the Americas
used the outside covering of ears of corn – the shucks, or husks -- to make toys for their
children. Early corn shuck dolls were made for both boys and girls and were decorated with
appropriate symbols. Boys might receive dolls with a spear or a bow and arrow, while girls
would receive dolls holding baskets or small weavings. Sometimes, these early dolls even had
hair made of the corn silk. Corn shuck dolls were also used in religious and coming-of-age
ceremonies.

Of course, today’s dolls are much more elaborate and combine a wider variety of materials
than were available to native craftsmen. However, like the originals, each doll is hand made from
corn husks. Each is individually distinctive, because the corn shucks are all slightly different and
respond differently to the shaping techniques and talents that are used to craft the doll.

Corn husk dolls have been given as gifts to heads of state and crown princes. Since each one is
unique, they make a truly collectible item that will only increase in value with time. Properly
cared for, a corn husk doll will last almost indefinitely. When you buy a corn shuck “Doll by
Judith”, you are buying a work of art.

Sometimes people wonder why the dolls are priced so differently. Each doll’s value is
determined by a combination of the time it took to construct the doll and the quality and
complexity of the finished product. Each doll is a creative effort and reflects the artistry and skill
of the maker.

You will see a charming collection of dolls pictured on this site. Each doll is one of a kind;
when it is sold, it cannot be duplicated. When we are asked for several dolls of a certain kind,
we must respond that we can provide “similar” dolls, but not exact duplicates.

Please feel free to browse the following pictures. Print any images you wish. If you wish to
purchase a doll, please contact us at jarnold@rjarnold.com
.

Dolls By Judith