Huichol Yarn Art
Huichol Yarn Art Item 157
$150.
12 x 12 inches / Hand Twisted Yarn.
2004
Narrative
The circle represents a cut gourd offering which has been dedicated to the Deer God. Looking into the votive bowl we see figures which would have been formed by pressing wax onto the interior surface. The red and black horizontal area below the deer's legs represents real deer blood which has been placed inside. Other figures formed with the wax are a candle, a god's eye "the rhomboidal figure", and several arrows. The peyote motif encircling the gourd represents the deer's "heart" as do the two ears of corn. The Huichol believe that the deer, corn and peyote are one and the same. The deer is able to appear in any of these three forms, among others. Below, the two muwieri represent the shaman who will preside over the ceremonies surrounding this votive bowl, which would have been brought to some sacred place and deposited there as an offering to some god/s. Muwieri are slender wooden shafts with yarn wrapped around the length and feathers attached to one end. They possess magical powers and allow the shaman to communicate with the gods and perform blessings.
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