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Huichol Native Gods, Deities & Symbols as Represented in Their Art – Jaguar & Turtle

May 27, 2018 by Latin American Art Gallery

For the Huichol, who live in Mexico and call themselves Wixárika, life and religion are intertwined.  Their deities are honored in their ceremonies and represented in their art and are part of daily life.  As Carl Lumholtz, the original ethnographer and explorer who studied the Huichol society, said, “All phases of their lives are prayer – the planting, harvesting, peyote pilgrimages – all art, weaving, bead work, face painting, and yarn paintings embody prayer within symbols.”  They ask the deities for rain and sun for the crops, successful deer hunts, healthy children and protection from natural and supernatural dangers.  Here we introduce the Jaguar and Turtle and show them in Huichol art pieces.

Huichol Deity Mayetse (Jaguar)

Mayetse, the Jaguar, is the messenger of Tatawari, the god of Fire.  Mayetse is the guardian of the sacred vows the Huichol shaman take during initiation.  Carved wooden jaguar heads are beaded by using a beeswax mixture calling campeche as a natural glue. Each bead is carefully placed into the wax.  The artist uses the beads to form sacred symbols on the jaguar.  Click on one of the heads to go to the description of the symbols on this jaguar head.

                  

Tortuga  (Turtle)

The tortuga assists the rain goddess.  It protects the water quality of the springs and replenishes underground water sources.  Here is a young turtle on its mother’s back.  It is a fine wooden carving covered with beads as described above.  Click on one of the images to go to the description of the symbols on this turtle-on-turtle.

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  • Huichol Folk Art & Jewelry
    • Beaded Crosses
    • Beaded Jewelry
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    • Beaded Masks and Figures
    • Beaded Ornaments
    • Beaded Prayer Bowls 'Jicaras'
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Viewing the Art & How it is Made

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.


SEE THE HUICHOL ART PAGE FOR AN IN-DEPTH EXPLANATION OF THESE PARTICULAR HUICHOL INDIANS AND THEIR ART.

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Mexican & Latin American Art

  • Huichol Folk Art & Jewelry
    • Beaded Crosses
    • Beaded Jewelry
      • Beaded Bracelets
      • Beaded Earrings
    • Beaded Masks and Figures
    • Beaded Ornaments
    • Beaded Prayer Bowls 'Jicaras'
    • Yarn Art
  • Huichol Native T Shirts
  • Peruvian Gourd Ornaments

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