Huichol Culture
Huichol Item 312
$725.
2ft. x 2ft.
Hand-twisted yarn, archival wax on board.
2007
Narrative
This scene takes place in the corn fields. A shaman has sacrificed a cow, the bloodied knife at his feet. He is seen facing the maize plant holding a muvieri and candle, offering this sacrifice to the maize deity. The cows blood nourishes the corn stalk and satisfies the maize deity. The shamans wife places candles an the cow so that they may be blessed with its blood for later ceremonial purposes. A lit candle is placed by the sacrifice. The droplets emanating from the maize plant represent its powers. The shaman has consumed peyote for the occasion, seen above him. He offers to the maize deity candles, votive arrows and a gods eye. Above we see the Moon and the Sun. Clouds and rain are seen as is a star. An sacred eagle patrols the sky, the blue field representing its breath or life force. A bowl with deer, gods' eye and arrow figures will be buried in the corn field, representing a votive offering. We see the shamans hat, tobacco pouch, shoulder bag and tacuatzi. The maize deity has also been offered a bowl of teguino which is fermented ground maize beverage. Serpents inhabit these places as do rabbits and other reptiles. A deer head will be buried in the milpa or corn field. A representation of a bundle of collected wood. Numerous grasses and flowers are found throughout the cornfields. The bowl filled with maize above the cow will be blessed with blood. The bowl, also depicted with the wax impressions will be buried in the fields. The maize will be taken back to the community calihuey or temple. Next to the bowl is a bottle-neck gourd filled with sacred water. The scorpions on the border are a decorative motif and a common inhabitant of Huichol communities.
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