The Huichol art

Mexico handicrafts make a great cultural heritage by the creativity of Mexicans in each of the pieces and their vibrant colors artisans. It is in a community with long-established traditions to which one of the most magical and artistic expressions representative of the country originates: Huichol art.
The Huichol or Wixárika are an indigenous community living in the central west of the country, in the Sierra Madre Occidental primarily in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit, as well as parts of Durango and Zacatecas. If you find yourself in any of these locations do not miss the opportunity to visit their communities or close to a Huichol artisan while working on their crafts.
Cosmogonical inspiration
Each of the pieces has a Huichol artisan makes a very special roots and customs representation. Artisans are based on the beliefs about its origins, that is, in each of the four elements of creation: earth, water, air and fire. The origin of Huichol art dates back to ancient times, when the shamans or priests of the community created figures representing deities and sacred animals. His inspiration came from a ritual that allowed them to raise their mind and cross the threshold of the unknown and have close contact with their deities.
This magical and cosmic atmosphere has been preserved over time. Nowadays each craftsman integrates each of their pieces reflecting their daily lives made with different materials where the colors and shapes are of unique beauty. Scorpions, iguanas, turtles, deer, jaguars, cups or wells and even masks are just some of the forms of these deities enshrined in the Huichol art.
Transforming the cosmos art
Once the craftsman has had the vision of his next creation, plasma formed on canvas on wooden boards, prepared with special wax and threads of yarn dyed in different colors. This wood evokes the way of working in ancient ceremonial table Nearika. Wood vases, bowls, spoons, fruit and animals on drawings representing different forms are made. Once the molded piece, each craftsman some patience and his hands placed on the mold small beads beaded one by one. Likewise about the deities or animal figures and jewelery.
In direct contact with Huichol art
In Mexico there are dedicated to the support and protection of Huichol culture institutes, making their crafts are promoted within and outside the country. There are some Huichol internationally recognized artists exhibit their work in galleries in Mexico and the world. Huichol art is a symbol of Mexico and can be found on the beautiful beaches of Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, or the cities of Tepic and Guadalajara. Also in galleries Cancun and Mexico City you will find works of this vibrant town that has preserved its worldview in time.
Where to buy Huichol art?
Riviera Nayarit
Galeria Tanana
Revolution 22, Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit, Nayarit. Tel. +52329 291-3889
www.thehuicholcenter.org
Vallarta Port
Huichol Collection Gallery
Paseo Diaz Ordaz 732, Centro Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 8300, Mexico Tel. +5232 2223 0661
Guadalajara
Huichol Art Museum Wixarica
Eva Briseño 152, Col. Centro, Zapopan, Jalisco 45100, Mexico Tel. +5233 3636 4430
 vive.guadalajara.gob.mx/que-visitar/museo-de-arte-huichol-wuixarica
Mexico City
Yawi Traditional Art
Monte de Piedad 15, Centro Historico, Mexico City 06000, Mexico Tel. +5255 2898 6634
www.arteyawi.com
Cancun
Nierika
Av. Xelha, Smz. 28 Mz. 3 Lt. 1 Building Torres Cancun, Quintana Roo, 77509, Mexico Tel. +52 998 206 1280
www.nierika.com.mx