The beauty of Mexico can be experienced not only through its incredible landscapes and interactions with its people but also through its rich cultural expressions. Located north of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, the state of Nayarit boasts one of the most rooted indigenous traditions. The Huichol or Wixárika people are its majority group, and their cultural objects are considered a distinct category in the National Fund for the Promotion of Crafts. Below, we share some of the treasures you can discover during your journey to the Riviera Nayarit.

Ojo de Dios (God’s Eye)

The Ojo de Dios or “Tzicuri” is one of the most iconic elements of Huichol culture. In the past, these were protective gifts made by parents for their children during their first five years of life. These five woven rhombuses of various colors exemplify the mystical essence surrounding this tradition because it is customary to make them for children when they are old enough to be more aware of their connection with the gods. Today, the Ojo de Dios is one of the most important ceremonial and religious elements for them, serving as an offering to the gods and a symbol of power used as a guide to better understand things that come from the spiritual world.

Nierika

Also, for the Huichols, “nerikate” (plural of nierika) are ritual tools deeply rooted in spirituality. Crafted with threads or beads on large canvases or wood, they are genuine expressions of art and cosmogonic representations painstakingly created by “mara’kames” (master shamans) and Huichol artisans in general. Additionally, this term is also associated with a mirror that seeks divine revelation.

Beaded accessories

One of the most iconic crafts is made with threads and colored beads. Whether they are earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, these art pieces traditionally represent geometric figures and animals with profound spiritual significance. Huichols use these objects in their religious rituals and to express their connection with nature.

Alebrijes

In 1936, the paper mache artist Pedro Linares López created strange creatures after dreaming of them while being sick. These extraordinary characters, with vibrant and cheerful colors, often combine animals like a donkey with wings, a rooster with bull’s horns, or a lion with a dog’s head. In the dream, they all shouted a single word in unison: “Alebrijes!” That’s how Pedro began a legacy that would endure as one of the most well-known forms of Mexican art.

Even though these surrealistic animals originated in Mexico City, you can also find them in some places in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, such as craft markets and local workshops.

Exploring Nayarit’s crafts is a way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the region. Each piece tells a story and reflects the artisans’ connection to their land and heritage.

Whenever you visit Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit, don’t hesitate to support and promote Mexican art.