Have you heard about the Huichol people in Mexico? Direct descendants from the Aztecs, Huichol people originated in the state of San Luis Potosí in central Mexico. There, it is believed that they have been living for at least 15,000 years based on carbon dating of ashes from hikuri which is a hallucinogenic cactus found in their sacred fireplaces. Huichol people also inhabit other states in Mexico including Jalisco, Durango, Zacatecas and Nayarit. Their native language is Wixáritari, and the Huichol culture is well known for their fantastically intricate, spiritually significant and brilliantly colorful bead and string folk art. Many travelers that visit Mexico purchase a piece of unique Huichol art work to take back home with them or as a gift for a loved one. If you’d like to learn more about the interesting and unique Huichol culture, keep reading below.
Huichol Beliefs
To start with, Huichol people believe that the universe has been divided into three worlds which first include the ocean to the west where life begins. Secondly, the mountains where the activities of everyday life take place. Thirdly, the Desert of Dawn to the east where the Huichols perform a pilgrimage in search of illumination. In addition, Huichols believed in a religion that consists of four principal deities. The four deities include Corn, Blue Deer, Peyote, and the Eagle. Supposedly these deities are all descendants of their Sun God, which is known as “Tao Jreeku”. Even today in modern times, most Huichols still maintain their traditional beliefs and are resistant to change. Their culture believes that the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains are home to mystical creatures which are seen in their artwork and religious customs. Likewise, prominent characters in their beliefs include trees, labyrinths, mountains, oceans, moons, and suns.
Huichol Art
Huichol art is beaded artwork that is colorfully decorated and often used during ceremonies and prayer for protection, health, and abundance. Many symbols within the art represent attributes of different gods and goddesses, and are used in sacred sites in Huichol communities. As stated above, the most common motifs are related to the three most important elements in Huichol religion, the deer, corn and peyote. The deer is a commonly seen motif known as maxa in Huichol that often appear in male and female pairs. This duality symbolizes the unity between men and women on their spiritual journey. In addition, there are legends about the deer abound in Huichol culture. For example, they believe that the deer mother is the guardian spirit and the important animal in Huichol shamanism.
More about Huichol Culture
The definition of a Huichol is an American Indian person who lives in the mountains between Zacatecas and Nayarit, Mexico. If you want a hands-on experience with Huichol life, you can find people living in the communities of Xatsixarie, El Nayar, and La Yesca. There, you can explore their artwork, lifestyle and traditional ceremonies. Wixarika, in the Wixaritari or Vaniuki language or Huichol dialect means “the people.“ This self-designation of respect was given to the Huichol people when the Mexica began to refer to them in a derogatory manner before the Spanish conquest. The Huichol language is an indigenous language of Mexico which belongs to the Uto-Aztecan language family. The people in Huichol communities tend to be farmers. The primary sources of food grown include corn (maize), beans, squash, and cucumbers.
During your next visit to Mexico, make sure you seek out a shop or gallery that sells Huichol art. Its brightly colored and intricate designs are quite stunning. You will be able to find a unique piece of art to take back home with you, or to even furnish a dream vacation home in Mexico.
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