On Thursday, June 20th, the Akwesasne Cultural Center hosted an opening reception for the artwork of Elizabeth “Betts” Doxtator. On exhibition are three separate displays that are tied together using cornhusk dolls. There are easily over 100 cornhusk dolls that were created for this exhibit that took about 4 years to make. Each doll, standing 10 inches tall, has its own ribbon dress/shirt and very intricate beadwork on the clothing and moccasins.

Elizabeth Doxtator created these dolls over the span of 4 years, all the while researching the Peacemaker’s journey:

“Because cornhusk is a pure catalyst to the ancestors, working with cornhusk is like reaching into an ancient period and creating something that looks, smells, and feels like something from very close to the time of the ancient ones and to the time of the Great Peace.”

The Journey shows the story of the Peacemaker, starting from “Where the Water Never Freezes” and ends with “Individual Arrows are Broken.” If you have knowledge of the Peacemaker’s Journey, you’ll know exactly what each piece in the 12-part display represents.

In the Four Sacred Ceremonies, cornhusk dolls are displayed practicing the ceremonies given to us by Shonkwaia’tison. Each doll is dressed in miniature buckskin outfits used from leather that Elizabeth received as payment from a woman in Tyendinega.

In the third part of the exhibition, 101 cornhusk dolls make up Encircling Everything. 50 Clanmothers and 50 Chiefs, including Tadadaho and Tsikonhsase, are placed in a circle resembling the Circle Wampum Belt. Each pair of Clanmothers and Chiefs is placed on a board that has the symbol of each title and their clan burned into it.

Inside the circle of cornhusk dolls is a sculpture of the Tree of Peace with four roots extending to the four directions. This sculpture, much like rest of the artwork, is made entirely out of cornhusk. The sculpture stands 4 feet tall and stretches over 5 feet wide.

Throughout the works were miniature wampum belts, pottery and baskets that connected the pieces with the continuity of the intricate details. The very detailed work showcases the attention paid to each doll.

Cornhusk dolls resembling the Circle Wampum belt.

Each clanmother in the “Encircling Everything” display has a basket made by Lenora David next to her. Lenora was accompanied to the reception by her daughters Gina, Betty and Ida.

The exhibit runs all summer and closes in September. Be sure to check it out, for it is one not to miss.