| The Huichol Indians (pronounced "Wee-chol") are | | | | Their colorful clothing is said to give pleasure to |
| an indigenous tribe of traditional people living in | | | | their divinities, ensuring the kindness of the deities |
| western central Mexico, in the states of Jalisco | | | | and protection of the people. The Huichol men |
| and Nayarit. Many live in small scattered | | | | wear elaborately embroidered muslin pants, a long |
| settlements high in the Sierra Madre Mountains. | | | | tunic that is wrapped around the waist and held in |
| Because of the extreme remoteness of this | | | | place by a hand-woven belt, and a kerchief which |
| rugged mountain area, the Huichol were not | | | | may be embroidered or can be made from a |
| conquered by the Spaniards, nor greatly changed | | | | combination of embroidery and felt. Hand-woven |
| by Mexican culture. They remain one of the last | | | | and embroidered bags are often worn, and during |
| tribes in North America still living much as they did | | | | ceremonies a large hat with feathers may be |
| in pre-Columbian times, maintaining many of their | | | | worn as well. Huichol women typically wear |
| ageless rituals and beliefs. Today it is estimated | | | | delicately embroidered peasant dresses. |
| there are only about 10,000 Huichol Indians still in | | | | The Huichol are a highly creative people and |
| existence. | | | | reflect their strong ceremonial traditions and rich |
| The Huichol believe themselves to be "mirrors of | | | | mythology in their visionary art work. These |
| the gods" and try to reflect a sacred vision of the | | | | visions are often inspired by their peyote god |
| world, both physically and spiritually. To the Huichol, | | | | whose divine gift enables them to communicate |
| everything is alive and has a soul (called kupuri) | | | | with all the gods. These mystical experiences can |
| and is therefore divine. They are a deeply religious | | | | only be told by the shamans, but all are |
| people and worship multiple deities. They make | | | | encouraged to express them in their art and |
| offerings and prayers to assure the protection | | | | offerings. Through their artwork, whether it be |
| and goodwill of these deities. | | | | beaded art (chaquira) or yarn painting (nierika), the |
| The Huichol Indian tribe sees dress as another | | | | Huichol encode and document their spiritual |
| important way of expressing their religious beliefs. | | | | knowledge. |