Mesoamerican cultures around 300 BC utilized corn husks, leaves, and fibers as primary wiping materials, showcasing their resourcefulness and adaptation to available natural resources. This practice highlights the importance of corn in their daily lives, not only as a staple food but also as a versatile material. The use of corn husks reflects the ingenuity of ancient civilizations in maximizing the utility of their environment.

The pre-Columbian Mesoamerican use of corn husks around 300 BC was celebrated in indigenous oral poetry that honored maize as central to life. This cultural significance is reflected in the works of poets who emphasized the importance of agriculture and sustenance.