These skulls, all covered in Chaquiras (small colored beads), are hand-crafted and hand-decorated by Huichol Artisan Pablo Reza, the designs embedded into them include Peyote Flowers, God’s Eye, and Eagles, which according to Huichol Tradition serve as bridges for communication between Gods and Mankind. This piece has an abundance of red tones, which for the Huichol represents God’s life in the West, the area known to them as “Parierekua”, where the “Peyote God” lives, and on the other hand, black represents life and is also the color of “Tatei Aramara” (The Pacific Ocean), where the great man-devouring snake lives.
Details:
This piece is currently not in stock. Once your order is processed, the artisan will receive an order to produce a replica of the item you ordered. Given the handcrafted and artistic nature of their pieces, your purchase may have some variation in decoration and shape. It is these same variations that make every item unique.
Elaboration times range from 30-35 days.
Measurements:
4.33" high x 3.54" width x 6.30" long
Weight:
0.53 lbs
When we contemplate Huichol art, the first thing that stands out are its colors, this striking quality is owed to the fact that, according to their worldview, it is through Color that Gods speak to Mankind. This is one of the few artistic processes in the world which is invariably attached to a Mystic sense, using the Spirit as the Art’s raw Material and Vice-versa. Any piece from this collection is based on Experiences associated with Peyote, it is from this interaction that such colors and forms observed in Wixarika arts come to be.
No other Prehispanic Culture uses such a high complexity color usage as that of the Wixarikas, their craft was born as an offering to the Gods, although it also a way to communicate to their community, and even to the rest of men, the Messages of their divinity. According to their beliefs, when communication between Gods and people exist, bright colors and Shapes open a Portal, called the Nierika. This is why their Yarn compositions are named Nierikas. Their art is created using representations of knowledge acquired during ceremonies.
Distinguished and much appreciated Artists are referred as “Chamanes”, properly called Maraakames, who embody their experiences with the Gods through their brilliant, intense, and even fluorescent color palette art. Each Wixarika item is created with the purpose of having contact with Deities.
Pablo Reza
Pablo was born in the Wixarika (Huichol) community of San Andres de Cohamiata, in Jalisco, populated by just 1317 inhabitants, and located over 1940 meters above sea level in the mountains.
Housing in his town is very humble, they lack tap water or electricity, and the main activity of its residents is self-procuring agriculture, cattle raising, and the production and selling of traditional arts and crafts.
Pablo’s family consists of four members, his father who is a farmer, his mother, the homemaker, and his younger brother, who just as his father is also dedicated to farming. Pablo is the only family member who is dedicated to the Arts, even though he started doing it at a late age, when he was 21, Pablo makes incredible pieces both with Chaquiras (small colored beads) and Yarn. His work is impeccable, and his favorite works are those who represent animals of any kind.
In order to sell his Art, Pablo rides downhill on his horse from the Sierra Madre Occidental, the path is irregular and hazardous, and the commute downhill takes around 8 hours. After he’s finally reached, he continues his journey to Tonala, where he is received at a friend’s house for a few days while he sells his pieces to galleries in Tlaquepaque and other locations, he also uses the opportunity for taking orders, not only for his products, but also for other members of his community, he has committed himself to bringing more work back to his town.
Pablo has become friends with other Artisans and has innovated his own art by uniting his work with that of other Artisans, such as he has done with his close friend Master Artisan Pablo Pajarito, they have fused their techniques, resulting in beautiful figures such as Canelo Clay Skulls with their faces covered in Stunning Chaquira. Pablo loves tradition, but he also is an innovator by excellence, giving a new focus to Huichol (Wixarika) Arts.
