Creative corn doll

“The model of the ethnic groups of Muong Khuong in my hometown” recreates cultural activities in the highlands, including a cultural center, people's houses, tables and chairs, dolls, etc. The product impressed the judges and audience because it was made entirely from corn cobs, corn ears, and corn kernels. Corn is a common crop in the highlands, not only the main source of income for each family but also a traditional food. During difficult economic times, families in the highlands often ate cornmeal porridge instead of rice. The corn stalks were brought back to feed livestock. Every day, from early morning, the children's parents went to the hills to plant corn, bringing warmth and sustenance to each house... The children in the highlands also grew up on their mothers' backs, on the vast corn fields. This familiar plant sparked the idea for the children to create a unique and meaningful product.

"The model of the ethnic groups of Muong Khuong, my hometown" is made entirely of corn.

With their skill and meticulousness, Mừng and Mạnh carved and assembled corn cobs to create doll shapes, fences, tree trunks, and house pillars; braided corn silk for hair; used corn leaves to roof the house; and hand-sewn costumes representing 14 ethnic groups for the dolls. Sin Thị Mừng shared: "The products are simple, so my friends and I can all make them. The materials are readily available, and playing with corn dolls is non-toxic and doesn't pollute the environment."

Holding a corn doll in her hand, Thien Chin Manh told us: "This is a Nung ethnic corn doll." Dressing the corn doll in her ethnic costume made her very proud and she loved the outfit even more. The collection also includes many dolls from other ethnic groups such as the Mong, Dao, Tay, Phu La, Tu Di, Pa Di... just like her and her friends, who are from different ethnic groups but are united, studying together, striving for success, preserving and promoting their cultural identity under the school roof.

In the competition, the two children confidently presented their entries. They not only described their products but also proudly showcased the lands, people, and cultures of the various ethnic groups. Their entries vividly recreated the vibrant colors of 14 ethnic groups, demonstrating their understanding and pride in their local cultures. Thus, the small corn doll, though seemingly insignificant, held a much greater meaning.

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Guide students in making models to participate in the competition.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Kieu Giang, an official from the Union of Science and Technology Associations of the province, who directly guided the children participating in the competition, said: "I sensed the hidden creativity of children in the highlands, because they have experienced nature and the colors of life from a very young age. The hardships in their lives also motivate them to create products from simple materials."

The corn dolls are on display in the traditional room of Nam Lu Ethnic Minority Boarding Primary School. The two young owners enthusiastically guide their friends in making similar dolls to play with. The awards they received will inspire creativity among students, so that the Lao Cai Provincial Youth and Children's Creative Competition in the coming years will feature more small but meaningful products from studious and creative students in the highlands.

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Source: http://laocai.edu.vn/chuyen-de-gddt/bup-be-ngo-day-sang-tao-352671