Beaded Craft Huichol

The traditional beadwork created by the Huichol (pronounced wee-chol) Indians of Nayarit and Sinaloa Mexico is an artistic expression of their spiritual beliefs. Originally they beaded small gourd bowls to use as offerings to the gods. Now a sought after collectors item, the Huichol have expanded their traditions and bead all manner of carved wood shapes, primarily animals. They are made by carving wood figures or gourd bowls that they cover in beeswax so that they can then insert the colorful beads into the wax, creating intricate and vibrant patterns.