Corn Husk Doll on Horse 1935 - 1942

Wilbur M. Rice made this untitled work, “Corn Husk Doll on Horse,” using graphite and colored pencil. Rice was associated with the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, active in the mid-20th century. The Board sought to promote Native American art and craftwork. This drawing references the older tradition of corn husk dolls. These dolls are associated with the fall harvest, particularly in the Eastern Woodlands tribes. Corn husk dolls would often be made during the harvest season as toys for children or kept as decorations. As such, the drawing depicts the intersection of indigenous tradition with the modern institutions of art and craft. The drawing style is simple, without shading or much detail, suggesting the influence of folk art traditions. This work invites us to consider the politics of imagery, and the social conditions that shape artistic production. Further research into the artist and the Board would reveal much about the cultural forces at play in this work.