Our History

Tierra Huichol and Wixárika Culture

Preserving Mexican Culture and Art

Our History

Tierra Huichol represents an effort to give an ongoing importance to a proud cultural tradition. Tierra Huichol showcases the artwork of over 100 Wixárika artists in its galleries.
The families uphold their traditions and preserve their culture while also helping to access the necessary raw materials to create such magnificent artworks. This way, we all have the opportunity to own a unique piece of art.
Each one of us who is part of Tierra Huichol and the entire Wixárika community is grateful for your support in sharing these artworks, whether directly or indirectly.

About the Huichol Culture

Certainly, we can say that the Huichol people are indigenous. The majority of them used to inhabit mountainous areas, mainly in the northern regions of Jalisco and a significant part of Nayarit, in central Mexico. Today, it is estimated that there are around 50,000 Huichol people living in these areas. The Huichol community is one of the ethnic groups that have managed to maintain their "purity" since the Spanish conquest. The origin of Huichol art lies in an ancestral tradition where the physical transcription of the images visualized by Huichol shamans is passed down from one generation to another. The mystical and beautiful Huichol culture is found in the mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental, near Puerto Vallarta, in the northern region of Jalisco. The Huichol people refer to themselves as "Wirrárrica" or "Wirraritari." In this captivating culture, enigmatic worlds are constantly created, with moons, suns, trees, labyrinths, spirals, mountains, and cosmic oceans being the protagonists. These elements are expressed tirelessly through their art, religion, and customs. The Huichol culture is known for its vibrant and intricate art, which often incorporates colorful beads and yarn meticulously applied to various objects. The Huichol people have managed to preserve their rich cultural heritage despite external influences, and their traditional practices, rituals, and beliefs continue to be an integral part of their daily lives. Their commitment to maintaining their unique traditions and connection with the spiritual realm is truly admirable.

Wixárika Art

The origin begins with the initiation of ritual art since it is said that, to belong to the specific religious practice of an indigenous group, Huichol art is divided into three universes: mythology, where the Huichol believe that life began in the ocean; the universe related to corn, where everyday life and Huichol traditions are developed; and the universe connected to mysticism, which reveals the Huichol world and the art of their rituals, distinguishing them and giving them identity as a Huichol community. Huichol art is a collection of traditional styles in the arts of crafts and folklore. The artists of this art style are the Wixárika people. Huichol art has a very particular charm as it relates their religion and worldview with shapes and colors to create a unique aesthetic. One of the main characteristics of these artworks is their highly decorative and colorful decoration. They also incorporate various symbols and designs that were created centuries ago.

Types of expression in Huichol art

One type of artistic expression in Huichol art is "cuadros de estambre" (yarn paintings), which are created on wooden boards using wax. Another form of art is the creation of intricate beadwork on objects such as gourds, violins, turtles, and more. These artisanal works can be classified into two types: those made for commercial purposes and those that reflect religious experiences. Another form of expression is artwork made with beads or yarn (yarn paintings), each carrying symbolic motifs, stories of Huichol culture, and Huichol cosmogony legends that provide an insight into Huichol society.