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Traditional Beadwork The traditional beading technique of the Huichol Indians began before glass beads were introduced by European missionaries. Hollowed-out gourds were decorated with bits of shell, seeds and stones to use as offering bowls to the gods. When glass beads became available, the Huichol began beading other items which they used in religious ceremonies and as offerings, such as animal figures, jaguar heads, masks, etc. When outsiders saw these things, they wanted to buy them, leading to the Huichol expanding the items beaded. |
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Christian-Influenced Beadwork Although the Huichol practice shamanism and believe in the existence of many spirit gods, the years when the Franciscan and Jesuit missionaries lived among them left enduring results. The Huichol embraced those aspects of Christianity that they felt pertinent to themselves and made them part of their lives. They believe that the more deities they pray to, the more likely their prayers are to be answered. Each Huichol village recognizes about 3 or 4 of the 25 Mexican patron saints as being important to their village. |
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Beaded Ironwood Carvings Ironwood does not grow naturally in the habitat of the Huichol Indians. These figures were traditionally carved by the Seri Indians and today are carved by both Seris and Mexican people who live in the desert region adjacent to the Sea of Cortez in the northern Mexican state of Sonora. We then take the carvings to Tepic where the artists do the beading. Almost all ironwood carvings are animals. |
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Yarn Paintings/Contemporary Beadwork In the mid-twentieth century, Huichol shaman and other artists began interpreting their visions by creating yarn paintings, pressing yarn into beeswax in the same manner as the beadwork is done. This was an expansion of the “nierikas” (small offerings symbolizing requests to the gods.) This yarn work is all described by the artist on the back. We provide English translations.
Several Huichol Indian artists are expanding their talent to include other than traditional base materials. This exciting departure into new artistic territory is broadening Huichol Indian art’s appeal around the world. |
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