Huichol art is made by Huichol tribe, they live in Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico. They live in area of Jalisco, Durango and part of Nayarit in north central Mexico. Tribe known for beautiful yarn painting & bead works. These people call themselves as ‘Wirrarika’ which means soothsayer or medicine man. This art dates back centuries.
Originally these paintings where done on stone, but now it is replaced by base of wood. This tribe used beewax which was spread on wood and then left in the sun to soften / melt. Than the artist scratches their design into the wax using sharpened stick. Than they pushed colorful yarn in to the wax to create the artworks. This tribe religion consists of four principals deities. Corn, Kayumarie (A blue deer), Hikuri & Eagle all descended from their sun god.
Todays’ this art uses modern and commercial products like yarn & small beads. Tribe has replaced many of the traditional materials used for this art. They make use of traditional materials like clay stone & vegetable dyes. They made & used beads made of bones, clay, stone, coral, jade & seeds. This was even before importation of European glass beads. Huichol Art first documented in late 19th Century.
Religious & Cultural significance
Huichol patterns and designs have religious & cultural significance. Their patterns can be spot on wide varieties of objects. Mask, musical instruments, embroidery on cloths like sashes, hand bags, belts & more. Religious or ceremonial items all aspects from materials to design are important. As they identified with particular gods. Motifs used in this in this art has three most important elements in their painting. This can seen in most of they designs – Deers, Corn & Peyote. First two are primary source of food. And last important for Shamans visions. Paintings are really mesmerising. Here are some extraordinary examples of :
Yarn painting
Works by kids during online art classes
Inspired by Huichol , Kids can create a vibrant textured artwork by using yarn and PVA glue (White glue). The process of making is relaxing, less messy & will keep kids busy. This colorful cultural art will also help developing patience and fine motor skills in children. Class objective is to teach background of this painting. Guide children through the steps of creating this beautiful yarn painting. This activity is for the multi-age. We have done this activity with age group 5 to 7yrs. Project done by kids during the online class with BrainArt.
