Huichol Indian Beaded Mask with Double-Headed Eagle

Description

This mask immediately says that one is in the presence of a work of art. As in all our Huichol beaded art, the sacred symbols and use of color are breathtaking. The delicately carved wooden mask is very contoured and lifelike, not flat.  The tiny chaquira, or seed beads, are applied by coating the surface of the carving 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.  Smaller size 15 beads are used instead of larger size 11.  The level of skill and artistry required to use these beads is amazing.

The mask holds the artist’s vision in beads.  The sacred symbols on the mask are a large double-headed eagle on the forehead; it is framed above it by two scorpion figures, a white deer on each cheek, iguana on the chin and numerous peyote.  Silver beads cover the lips and are used as accents around the whole mask.  The eyelids are particularly striking with rows of beads rising vertically towards the forehead.

The mask is 7 inches in length and 5 inches wide and 3 inches deep.  There is an eyelet on the back for hanging.

Seen in real life, this piece is imbued with the Huichol connection to the spirit world.

Do not place this art in hot direct sunlight. This may soften the beeswax. Otherwise, with gently handling, this art will stay in perfect shape.

SEE THE HUICHOL ART PAGE FOR AN INTRODUCTION OF THIS HUICHOL ART OR CLICK “BACK TO SITE” AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR AN IN-DEPTH EXPLANATION OF THESE PARTICULAR HUICHOL INDIANS AND THEIR ART.

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