Purchase Huichol Art from Zia Traders

High in the Sierra Madre Mountains of central-west Mexico is an indigenous tribe of very unique and magical people - the Huichol Indians. They are known for their beautifully intricate yarn paintings and bead work. Their religious practice includes ritual peyote, which some say allows the Huichols to literally - "…talk with the spirits; walk with the spirits…" One thing is certain, their native artwork is incredibly unique and haunting.

Huichol: a Window to the Past

Even though the Spaniards conquered most of Mexico, the extreme remoteness and rugged mountain ranges of the Huichol Indians spared them from Spanish colonization, and left them substantially unchanged from their Mexican culture. They remain one of the last tribes of people in North America who still live much as they did in pre-Colombian times, maintaining the same ageless rituals and beliefs. The Huichols are considered by many anthropologists to be an invaluable window to the past.

Their masks and figures are created by pressing beads into beeswax-covered wood. Each piece is exquisite and "one of a kind." One of their major art-forms – the beaded mask, is used for sacred rituals. Gourd bowls, and spirit figures are prominent in their work, and are created with the aid of "visions." Beaded gourd bowls are often left as offerings during pilgrimages, and can be found on the altars of Huichol homes and temples. Beaded masks and spirit figures record the dream visions of the women and men who create them. Designs emphasizing -- Grandfather Fire, Double-Headed Eagles, Deer, Serpent, Lighting, Wands, Corn, Nierikas -- tell the story of Huichol mythology.

Huichol: Mirrors of the Gods

Because of their religious belief, the Huichol consider themselves "Mirrors of the Gods" and strive to reflect a sacred vision of the world, both physically and spiritually into their artwork. To the Huichol, everything is alive and divine; possessing a soul called "Kupuri". Their belief structure encompasses every aspect of life and includes worship of multiple deities through offerings and prayers.

The beliefs of the Huichol Indians are very complex and elaborate. They involve myth, ritual, shamanism, prayer, peyote, and ceremony. As was true in pre-Colombian times, much of their current art continues to depict these religious themes and serve as a means of passing on countless mystical stories.

The Huichol's highly ornate and colorful clothing is a form of religious expression and is said to give pleasure to the gods; thus ensuring the god's benevolence and protection. They are highly creative people who reflect their strong ceremonial traditions and rich mythology in their visionary art work. These visions are often inspired by their peyote god, whose divine gift enables the Huichol to communicate with all their gods. These mystical experiences can only be told by the tribal shamans, but all tribal members are encouraged to express them through their art and offerings to the gods.

Through their art work, whether it be the beaded art – "Chaquira", yarn paintings, "Nearika", or their embroidery, the Huichol encode and document their spiritual beliefs. The Huichol have never developed a written language, and anthropologists consider their art as a significant part of their cultural expression. If you are fortunate enough to own a piece of Huichol art, it's more than "just" a beautiful work of art – you have part of actual Huichol culture, - adorned with designs and motifs of individual historical and spiritual significance to the Huichol Indians.

Yarn Paintings

To see more of the astounding art of the Huichol Indians, visit: www.ziatraders.com