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The symbolism displayed in Huichol Indian folk art gives profound expression to their deep spiritual beliefs. Beautiful yarn paintings or “cuadros”, beaded animal carvings, bowls and masks all display deep symbolism of Huichol religious belief, which is centered on their “holy trinity” of the deer (maxra), maize (iku), and peyote (hikuri). Traditional Huichol Indian art remains a living testament to the Huichols’ rich cultural heritage.

The Huichol Indians have a long history of artwork depicting religious symbols and designs dating back for centuries. Traditional folk art produced consists of beaded masks, figures, crosses and prayer bowls as well as beaded jewelry and yarn paintings. A beeswax mixture is used as the adhesive in both the beaded art and yarn paintings. A very thin coating of beeswax mixture is applied to the surface of a wooden carving, to a board (for yarn paintings) or to the inside of a gourd (for prayer bowls). While the purpose of the artwork has evolved from strictly religious intent to include commercial purposes, the designs have remained true to their traditions and retain their original religious and symbolic significance.

Cosas Bonitas Oregon is proud to offer an imaginative collection of Huichol Indian yarn paintings available for purchase at our online store. By spreading a thin layer of beeswax over a flat piece of wood and meticulously pushing thin strands of acrylic yarn into the wax, every yarn painting consists of complex patterns and symbols giving each piece a unique story to tell. Rich in tradition and mysticism, each piece of art is a one-of-a-kind treasure. We include information on Huichol symbolism with each piece of Huichol art you purchase. It is within these symbols that we discover the story of each piece of artwork – a precious legacy worthy of preservation.

At Cosas Bonitas Oregon, we bring you this very special Huichol Indian art from Mexico. To view our online gallery of offerings, please visit our online store. If you live in the Portland, Oregon area, we can set up an appointment for you to see all the wonderful items on our website, and much more! Please contact at 971-212-3505

Symbolism of Huichol Bead Art

Huichol bead art is more than a way of economic survival for the Huichol artists. The process of creating each unique piece of art is deeply rooted in symbolism reflecting a reverent and symbiotic relationship with nature. Maize, peyote and deer are usually present as well as candles, arrows, serpents, scorpions and the gods’ eyes that point to the four cardinal directions. The peyote often inspires visions that allow the Huichols to communicate with their gods. These visions are reflected in their art and in their offerings to the gods. Every Huichol artist develops a unique, personal style making each piece of artwork an uncommon treasure.

We include information on Huichol symbolism with each piece of Huichol art you purchase. For an explanation of common symbols found in Huichol art, read Symbolism Used by the Huichols by Angela Corelis.
 

Handling Huichol Bead Art

A beeswax mixture is used as the adhesive in both the beaded art and yarn paintings. A very thin coating of beeswax mixture is applied to the surface of a wooden carving, to a board (for yarn paintings) or to the inside of a gourd (for prayer bowls). Beads are then applied using a needle full of beads in the colors that the artist needs for an area.

If the beads are pressed too hard, the beeswax can come up through the beads causing a ‘bruise’. We recommend minimal handling and never pick up a piece by pinching a head or other small part between thumb and finger, such as by the turtle or snake head. It’s best to pick up the prayer bowls, which are made from gourd bottoms, by grasping the outside of the bowl. The surface may be touched gently and the beads will stay in place permanently with gentle care. Be careful the art is not under a hot light or in a window where the sun would hit it.

To view all of our Cosas Bonitas or Beautiful Things from Latin America, please visit our online store or contact us today to schedule a private viewing of the collection!

Behind every piece of Huichol Indian art and jewelry that we carry is a unique story that begins with Huichol (Wee-chol) Indians of Mexico. The Huichol Indians of the central Sierra Madre Occidental are a highly religious people who have miraculously maintained their traditional culture in spite of the pressures exerted on them in modern Mexico. In the words of legendary anthropologist Carl Lumholtz: “Religion to them is a personal matter, not an institution, and therefore their life is religious from the cradle to the grave and wrapped up in symbolism”.

Symbolism in Huichol Indian Art

The rich tradition of symbolism is displayed in the folk art offered by Cosas Bonitas. Beautiful yarn paintings or “cuadros”, beaded animal carvings, bowls and masks all display deep symbolism of Huichol religious belief which is centered around their “holy trinity” of the deer (maxra), maize (iku), and peyote (hikuri). Each Huichol item in our store is made by a member of a family of Huichol Indians who live in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains in the state of Nayarit. The colorful and intricate designs reflect their Huichol culture and religion. Rich in tradition and mysticism, each piece of art is a unique treasure.

Bead Size

In a long-standing fair trade relationship with the artists, the very tiny size 14 beads are provided to them because the size and color of  these beads are generally not available in Mexico. This affords a rich palate of colorful and metallic beads to produce this art that is of the finest quality. The use of the very tiny beads produces an amazing result and is remarkable to behold. The usual bead size used in most Huichol art is size 11, which are much larger than those used by the artists we work with. The level of skill required of the smaller size 14 beads is very high and we’re pleased to support their breathtaking artistry.

Fair Trade Art

It is very important that preservation of the Huichol culture be a central part of the sale of each item we sell. Every piece we’ve brought back to the Pacific Northwest is obtained adhering to fair trade principles. We hand select each piece for the Cosas Bonitas Store with an eye for both beauty and a commitment to sustainability. We offer the Huichol Indian art at very reasonable prices as part of our commitment to create a sustainable market for the Huichol Indian artists and their families. The Huichol families that we work with are able to maintain their homes and communities all the while bettering their economic lives.