Oneida Faithkeeper Robert Brown will give a presentation about "The Art of Peace" exhibit by Six Nations (Mohawk) artist Elizabeth Doxtater that is on display at NMU's DeVos Art Museum. His talk is scheduled at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at the museum.

Doxtater explores the ancient art form of cornhusk dolls to preserve traditional culture and histories while inviting viewers to consider their role in creating peace in the world. Art of Peace features more than 100 cornhusk dolls in two displays: Peacemaker’s Journey and First Council Fire (Encircles Everything).

Peacemaker’s Journey is a significant part of Native American and First Nations history, particularly Haudenosaunee history. The Great Law of Peace, Kaianerekowa, were instructions sent by the Creator through the Peacemaker: live harmoniously with all things, including animals, plants, water and each other. The Great Law allowed the people to heal from past wars and trauma to rebuild themselves, their families and villages.

First Council Fire (Encircles Everything) is a diorama of 101 cornhusk dolls representing 50 Clan Mothers and 50 Chiefs encircling the Tree of Peace. When the Great Law was ratified among the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora nations, a White Pine was uprooted and the people threw their weapons into the pit. Each Chief and Clan Mother, represented in the diorama by intricately designed clothing and beadwork, was given duties and powers to carry out the Great Law.

The Art of Peace exhibit is on diplay through Dec. 9.