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Since we first saw the artwork of the Huichol Indians, we have been attracted
to the objects covered with tiny, brightly colored beads. Recently we had
the opportunity to go into the homes of the Indians who create these beautiful
objects, watch them at work, and learn about their lives. To do this, we
traveled to Tepic, 183 miles from Mazatlán. On the outskirts of Tepic, on
a mesa overlooking the city and the surrounding valley, live the Indians.
They moved here from their native villages to sell their artwork. They are
a close community. Like an extended family, most are related in some way.
The hearts of the Indians remain in their villages. They travel back often;
much of the money they make goes back to the villages. Here in Tepic, their
concrete block houses are stark and modest. Even the landscape is stark,
unrelieved by vegetation or trees. Inside the homes, beauty and bright colors
are found in the artwork being created. One young couple sit at a table
creating small animals, a penguin, a ram, an owl, all in painstaking detail
with the tiny bright colored beads that characterize the work of the Huichol.
The figures are wood, covered with beeswax. Then the tiny beads are pressed
into the beeswax, one at a time.The vividly colored beads form a design;
each animal is different; each is beautiful. They show us other objects
they have recently made. A large |
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Jaguar head is our favorite; we are surprised to learn it only took a few
weeks to make. In another home, a husband and wife each create their own
yarn paintings. The yarn is brightly colored; the pictures contain much
symbolism and tell a story. Our favorite is a large round painting in shades
of teal and blue. We visit several other homes, where families work together.
Families specialize in either beadwork or yarn work. The Tepehuano Indians
specialize in yarn work; the Huichols in beadwork. The two groups live next
to each other on friendly terms. We find there is a big advantage in going
directly into the homes. The work is of a better quality (the colors are
more vivid, the designs are more attractive) than that we have seen in stores.
This is because the better artists have people who come to their homes to
buy their work; it dosn't make it to the retail stores. Also, by eliminating
a middle man, the prices are less. We have this great opportunity thanks
to Gerald English. Originally from Seattle, Gerry is the official interpreter
for the state of Nayarit. He met the Indians in his official capacity, and
gradually became a good friend. He is invited into their homes, participates
in their ceremonies, and is their enthusiastic advocate. To arrange visits
with Gerry, he can be reached in Tepic at (32) 13-13-22, or faxed at (32)
14-10-17. |
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Showing
His Work...
Two
of the Artists
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