Huichol Art

Huichol Art

Huichol Art Item 203

$1200.

2ft. x 2ft.

Circa 2002

Narrative

At the center-bottom we see a ceremonial bowl resting on a woven reed mat, decorated using traditional motifs. This bowl is called "niwetsika". It is also the name given to the person given the responsibility of caring for it on the pilgrimage to Wirikuta. Originally the pigment used on the bowl would have been extracted from the same yellow root that the Huichol Peyoteros use to paint their faces and legs. Inside of the bowl we see a giant peyote flanked by ears and antlers. This represents Kauyumarie, the Elder Deer Deity. On top we see candles, arrows, muvieri and the canes of the "ancient one's." These all represent offerings to the gods that the pilgrims have placed into the bowl, which they are carrying to Wirikuta. This bowl is being brought to Kauyumarie. However, in actuality, the offering would not contain peyote. It is only representative of who it is dedicated to. At the center-top we seen the Sun formed with peyote surrounded by eagles. This means that the Sun Deity is in communication with Kauyumarie. At the lower-left corner sits a shaman praying, in anticipation of the growing season, to the gods that all goes well and that the harvest is abundant. At the upper-left corner is an altar where the shaman is offering the gods beef broth in return for any favors that they may do him. The two peyote signify that the shaman has just returned for Real de Catorce. At the lower-right the shaman's wife is assisting him. She is seen confessing her sins to Kauyumarie. At the upper right are two xiriki or temples. The one on the left is dedicated to the Rain Deity. The xiriki on the right is dedicated to Tatei yurienaka, Goddess of the Earth. Here she is seen transformed into a serpent. Below the temples are items which the Huichol use when making confessions.

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