Huichol Art (Saturday - April 10, 2010)

I've been very disappointed in the "Mexican" souvenirs... many are made in China! Even the garlic in the grocery stores here... is it really cheaper to import Chinese garlic than it is to grow Mexican garlic????? It's crazy!

So, I have been less drawn to the tourist shops and more drawn to the native vendors. There is one form of art (craft?) that I have wanted to purchase, but found that most were too expensive. The Huichol beading I've seen is fantastic! The Huichol Indians (wee-chole) of the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico are known for their beautifully intricate yarn paintings and bead work. The Huichol Indian Nation is one of the few ancient tribes in the world which has managed to maintain its culture through the centuries. I have been salivating for a beaded animal for some time!

Finally, I found a vendor that was in my price range. I paid 150 pesos ($12US) for a cat (Carolyne picked out the type of animal). The pictures that are made with the beads range from the deer, scorpion, cresent moon and wolf. It is totally beautiful to me. I loved the animals that are depicted and their importance to the Huichol Indians is substancial.

DEER: As a guardian spirit she is one of the animals of primary importance in the shamanism of the Huichol. The unity of men and women on their spiritual journeys is symbolized by the male and female deer depicted together.As a guardian spirit she is one of the animals of primary importance in the shamanism of the Huichol. The unity of men and women on their spiritual journeys is symbolized by the male and female deer depicted together.

WOLVES: are esteemed bearers of spirits. In the peyote ceremonies Kumkite is bestowed with special honors, since the Huichol believe they descended from the Wolf People.

SCORPIONS: are held in awe and dread. One of the most deadly species of scorpions in the world can be found in the Sierra del Nayarit. In spite of the fact that many Huichol die yearly of scorpion bites, the scorpion is respected as a protector against evil and bad luck.