Learn How to Make Worry Dolls
an indigenous Mayan practice
With Ixmucane Pereira ’26
Thursday, September 19, 5:30-7 pm
Stevenson Library (first floor)
The making of worry dolls is an indigenous Mayan practice. In the dolls’ original tradition, a local legend about the origin of the Muñeca quitapena refers to a Maya princess named Ixmucane. The princess received a special gift from the sun god which would allow her to solve any problem a human could worry about.
In traditional and modern times, worry dolls are given or lent to brooding, anxious, or sorrowful children. They would tell their doll about their sorrows, fears and worries then hide it under their pillow before going to sleep at night. It is said that the child relinquishes their worries to the dolls during the night and by the next morning, all sorrows have been taken away by the worry doll.
All are welcome to come learn more about this tradition and make their own worry dolls. This event is cosponsored with the Office of the Dean of Inclusive Excellence, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.