THE BEADED ARTWORK OF THE HUICHOL
Mexican jewelry creation dates back to primitive times, where Aztecs and Mayas used them as an indicative of status and, in many times, as prayers to their own gods.
Techniques for both jewelry and art in general, have been kept among the native Mexican groups, descendants of this primitive civilizations.
Tzeltzales, Coras, Huicholes, Mazahuas, Mixtecos, Tarahumaras are just a few of the wide Mexican ethnic culture.
Each region of Mexico offers art that is reflective of that particular area, making these products the ideal room gifts for incentive groups.
Many objects are favorites among tourists, but one style that attracts a lot of attention is Huichol art, with its animal forms covered with chaquiras (small colorful beads); Chiapas offers crafts made from wool and colorful textiles as well as jewelry and figurines made from amber and other precious stones. Oaxaca is known for its black clay pottery, its dolls, and fantastic alebrije figures. Also not to be missed are the silverware of Guerrero or the beautiful embroidery from the center and south of the country. There are the ceramics of Jalisco or Puebla and the leather goods manufactured in the north. (Mexican Handicrafts Enhance Incentive Trips, 2012)
In Marita, we are proud to promote beautiful and authentic Mexican ethnic art, characterized by its quality and deep meaning.
“We have a special place and feeling for the Huichol jewelry and art, since Wixárika (huichol) culture comes from our land, Jalisco, and it shows a unique and peaceful world conception.We clearly feel identified with every piece of art we offer and our mission is strongly sustained on promotion of the meaning ” Says, Juan Pablo GarcĂa, one of the founder of Marita.
Huichol artisans were producing jewelry from beads made of clay, shell, coral, turquoise, jade and stone before European glass beads arrived in Mexico. In addition to glass, some of these traditional materials continue to be used today.
According to the Huichol people, the materials, designs and techniques needed for making beadwork have always been provided by Kay'u'mari, their spiritual hero and guide who
gives shape to the world. With Kay'u'mari as their guide, Huichol artists over the centuries have used beads to create jewelry, embellish their clothing, and decorate their religious
objects. They offer beaded objects, and even individual beads, as prayers to their gods.
As with many non-European peoples of the world, Huichol people consider beads to be highly prized symbols of beauty and wealth. In the Huichol language, beads and beadwork are known collectively as kuka. Kuka is a name frequently given to daughters born into Huichol families, attesting to their high value. (Grady, 2001)
Using and improving their ancient teqniques, huichol people took the beads from Europe, brought by the Spanish when they conquered MĂ©xico. Exquisite bracelets, earrings, necklace and rings have been made since then and we are able to appreciate them and use them these days!
Norwegian ethnologist Carl Lumholtz couldn´t be wrong in 1904, when, amazed of the clearly defined patterns and symbols by the huichols, documented on his book Decorative Art of the Huichol , his impressions about the wonderful huichol art.
Grady, J. (2001). They´ll take Manhattan. Native Peoples Magazine , 32-36.
Mexican Handicrafts Enhance Incentive Trips. (2012). Incentive .
germansingergirl
theartofmadeline
dailybridgerton
discoholicmusic