Huichol yarn art from Mexico

COLORES del PUEBLO

Huichol Yarn Art

	The Huichol Indians live in a secluded part of northern Mexico, and have thus maintained their traditional ways. For a thousand years, the rugged and remote terrain of the Huichol homeland has provided a pocket of isolation where the Huichols have survived, preserving their unique culture, religion, and art. They believe themselves to be "mirrors of the gods" and their art reflects a sacred vision of the world. Through rituals and ceremonies, shamans through their peyote visions, secure such things as good rainfall and crops, healthy families, abundant animals, and protection from supernatural harm and witchcraft. Peyote visions are thought of as gifts from the gods, divine illuminations. And important for their visionary journeys are the animal spirit guides of the Huichol shamans. The deer is considered the most important guide, the guiding energy when the shaman is in a trance-like state. The deer is teacher and messenger. He channels the divine powers to the shaman and instructs him how to cure diseases. He communicates with the gods and understands the nature of Fire and Sun.
	These colorful inspired pieces of art are created by yarn placed on beeswax mixed with pine resin on a wooden base. Each painting is signed by the artist on the back and the artist has included an explanation of the symbolism in each piece of art.