Huichol Indian Prayer Bowl Creation – Day 1

January 12, 2017 by Latin American Art Gallery

We hope you enjoy this description of the making of this very amazing Huichol Indian art from Mexico.

Here is a progression of the creation of Huichol Beaded Prayer Bowls, or jicaras. This art is made using smaller beads, often called micro beads, that are not so available in Mexico. As a result the art is extremely detailed and amazing. The bowls themselves are the bottoms of gourds. To see beaded bowls that are available go to https://latinamericanart.gallery/store/beaded-prayer-bowls/

First. the bowl is cut from the bottom of the gourd, dried thoroughly and the inside is made smooth.

Check back tomorrow for the progression of this bowl making!

The tiny chaquira, or seed beads, are applied by coating the surface of a carving or bowl with a beeswax mixture called campeche. The beads are then applied one by one using a needle. The vision of the artist comes to life as the beads are applied.

The beading is perfect with every bead in place. This can easily be seen by hovering over each image where it will expand, showing the incredible detail of this art.

The images may also be clicked to bring up a slideshow of enlarged images. Because smaller size 15 beads are used – called ‘microbeads’ – instead of the larger size 11, greater skill and artistry is required. The quality of the beading is unsurpassed!

Take care not to place this art in hot direct sunlight or near a hot lamp. This may soften the beeswax. Otherwise, with gently handling, this art will stay in perfect shape.

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