Huichol Art
Huichol Item 298
$7500.
Pre-2000
4ft. x 4ft.
Archival Materials
This painting speaks of the chance encounter of the Sun and Moon Deities, according to the Huichol and the ensuing eclipse. The Huichol believe that these deities meet purely by chance and "fall in love at first site" as people do. And though They know that they cannot stay together forever, and they must leave each others embrace, that destiny which brought them together today, will certainly bring them together again in the future. Both the Sun God and Moon Goddess are accompanied by their own entourage of stars, as they move around the heavens. On the cheeks of the embracing and kissing lovers are peyote cactus decorations, an important element of the Huichol religion and culture. The halo surrounding Them refers to the "positive energy" that their coming together generates. In the upper panel we see Huichol life as it is when darkness covers their communities during an eclipse. There is a farmer plowing his corn fields with the help of a team of oxen. There is a double-headed eagle, a messenger of the Sun, always monitoring the heavens and earth. There are three ririki or temples being dedicated to different deities. These are located in the sacred placed where these deities reside. We can see Huichol pilgrims coming to these places with their sacred offerings and honoring the deities. In return they ask favors of the gods, including a long life, well being for the family and community, magical powers for those seeking to become shaman and a bountiful harvest. Among the gifts brought by the Huichol pilgrims include peyote, votive arrows bathed with sacrificial blood, maize, gods eye and candles. The serpents protect these hallowed grounds from trespassers. On the bottom panel is a seated Huichol shaman performing ceremony and being assisted by two women, one undoubtedly being his wife. The shaman faces Tatei Wari or Grandfather Fire, one of the oldest Huichol Deities. Fire must always be present during Huichol ceremony. The ririki on the far right represents the sacred place where this ceremony is taking place. It is dedicated to the Earth Mother goddess, who is depicted in the center, flanked by two serpents which represent her guardians and protectors. Above them are six deer, the most important animal to the Huichol. The deer is the shamans guide on the trek to Wirikuta, the land of the peyote. We see that the Earth Goddess is being offered and has received candles, muvieri, arrows and votive bowls in return for their prayers being answered.
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