Two features of the Missouri exhibit in the Palace of Agriculture were life-size figures of a Missouri woman and Indian maiden. Both costumes were constructed entirely of corn and carried out in the minutest detail the garments of the era indicated.

The Indian maiden’s costume was made of corn husks and hung from her shoulders straight except for a belt composed of many-hued kernels of corn. In lieu of buckskin and beads the moccasins were made from husks and corn kernels, while her hair was constructed of corn silks. The maiden’s necklace was constructed of pearly-hued popcorn.

Indian Corn Maiden

The Missouri girl’s gown was composed of corn, the coiffure crowned with popcorn. The bodice was cut low and made of husks, and her necklace was made of corn kernels. The Eton jacket was embroidered with white and red clover seed. The skirt was finished with fringe made of corn silks and millet tassels. The train of the skirt was also embroidered of clover seed matching that on the Eton jacket. The corsage bouquet, manufactured of corn husks completed the costume.

Both costumes were the work of Mrs. F.I. Green of St. Louis.

References:

• The St. Louis Star September 1904

• Journal of Agriculture June 1904

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