Corn Husk Dolls

• A corn husk doll is a traditional toy played with by Seneca children. Have your kids make their own corn husk doll by soaking corn husks in water until they are softened. Then, arrange four corn husks together, tying them toward the top with a piece of string. Pull the long ends of the corn husks down and over the string and then tie the top (the head of the doll) with string, creating a neck. Make arms by rolling another corn husk and tying each end with string. Fit the arms inside the husk and tie right underneath to create a waist for the doll. Children can play with the dolls as-is, set the dolls up as a display or decorate them with paints.
  
  

False-Face Masks

• According to the Seneca Indian Fact Sheet online, the Seneca were known for their false-face masks. These false-face masks were considered a sacred art form that outsiders were not permitted to view. Spark students' creative process by having them create their own false-face masks. This art project can be as simple as having young children use markers or paints to decorate a paper plate, after which an adult can cut out holes for the eyes and mouth. It can also be modified for older students, where they can create a mask from paper mache or clay.
  
  

Paper Canoe

• The Seneca Native Americans were known to use canoes to fish locally. Have students recreate the Seneca canoes by making their own. Canoes can be made using an oatmeal container (or another cylindrical shaped container) cut in half. The container can be decorated using paints or markers.
  
  

Beadwork

• The Seneca Nation of Indians website notes that the Seneca Native Americans love beadwork. The tribe's beads were originally carved from natural materials such as shells and stones, but today they tend to use glass beads and seed beads. Kids can make their own beadwork project by creating a beaded necklace, vase or other art project using simple beads found at any arts and crafts supply store.