When we see a piece of Wixaríka art (pronounced güirraríca in spanish), it is NOT said Huichol, the first thing that stands out is its color. This art is one of the most appreciated and admired in the world for its complex handling of color on shapes and symbols. But what does it mean?
Before continuing we must make a clarification. Wixaritari, plural of wixárika, are sometimes mistakenly called Huichol. The Huichol word means "the one who flees" and they do not flee. The term wixárika means "person with a deep heart who loves knowledge." So, the real name of this town is wixárika.
That said, according to the worldview of the Wixárika people, the gods communicate with men through colors.
How do you achieve this communication? Thanks to a cactus without thorns that they call hikuri and that is born in the sacred desert of Wirikuta, where this town makes its pilgrimage.
This cactus is the peyote (Lophophora williamsii), one of the elements that this culture considers as a means that allows receiving the messages that the gods send to humanity. This semi-desert plant was a sacred species to which this town owes its survival.
Wixárika art is one of the few creative processes in the world that is linked to a mystical sense. From this interaction those colors and shapes that we observe in it emerge.
In short, it is a mythical portal of their culture, which signifies the beginning of life and the order of the world.
The raw materials used to create the intricate designs we know are wool, cotton, blanket, wax and beads. Kuka or chaquira beads not only provide color and beauty; They also symbolize water and are similar to corn, which is also a source of life.
The beads decorate two of the most important elements of the Wixárika culture: the gourds to collect the hikuri and the jewelry, which is worn by men and women alike.
Sources: Más de MX, Cultura Colectiva y Neomexicanismos.
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