Most visitors experience Mexican art and Huichol culture without knowing anything about the people who make the items or the meaning of the designs. With communities located in remote areas of the Sierra Madre mountains, the Huichol or Wixarika people mainly live in the states of Nayarit, Jalisco, Durango, and Zacatecas, in Mexico. If you’re planning a trip to Mexico and want to discover the marvels of Huichol art, we highly recommend you consider the following 6 facts:
Vibrant colors
Featuring colorful decorations and symbols dating back centuries, the artwork draws you into its exciting world of magic and mysticism. The creation of every piece is so complex that most designs may take even weeks to be completed.
The most traditional items
The yarn paintings and items decorated with beads are the most widely sold pieces. Aside from beautiful Huichol bracelets, you can also find masks and wood sculptures covered in brightly colored beads, fastened with wax and resin.
Urus is ceremonial arrows created to be shot into the air and petition the gods for special blessings. Women and children wear colorful woven bags around their waists to be magically protected. A Kuka is a three-dimensional ceremonial mask, and Nearikas are tablets of wood or bamboo which are heavily decorated into sacred areas.
What are they made of?
The most popular Huichol art is made with yarn and tiny beads, which have replaced many of the traditional materials such as clay, stone, and vegetable dyes. As these creative items have a long history of beading, the first Huichol jewelry and bowls were decorated with clay, shells, corals, seeds, and more. It’s almost unbelievable!
Symbolism
Most visitors are not aware that Huichol patterns are synonymous with religious devotion. Although the purpose of many items has changed, the Huichol art is still based on a trinity of veneration of the deer, corn, and peyote. The last one is valued for its hallucinogenic properties, which give shamans visions.
Did you know that the design of sashes and belts mimics the back of snakes? This animal is associated with rain, good crops, health, and long life. Not only, but another prominent symbol is also the zigzag line of Huichol bracelets, which represents communication with the deities.
The presence of Gods
Here’s the most exciting part: Huichol art means direct communication with their deities. When ceremonial pieces are made, all aspects, from materials to colors, are essential as they’re related to particular gods.
Known as the Father of the Sun, Tatewari represents the earth and the wood of the Brazil tree. Deers, coyotes, and pine trees are often associated with the god Tamat’s Kauyumari. And the most important: Takutzi Nakahue is considered the mother of all gods and corn.
Ancient rock carvings
Huichol art goes beyond jewelry, paintings, bags, and masks. Altavista Petroglyph Site is one of the largest concentrations of stone engravings. Located among lush flora and fauna in Nayarit, Mexico, the petroglyphs are believed to have created the Tecoxquines. This Aztec tribe was wiped out by disease in the 16th century.
Meant as spiritual callings to the gods, these fascinating engraved stones depict stories of everyday life, such as health, fertility, rainfall, and trade. Today, the site is sacred to the Huichol Indians, who sometimes use it for religious ceremonies. Some tourist companies provide tours and transportation.
