Visions of the Huichol

The Huichol (WE-chol) tribe of Mexico create stunning art with beads and yarn. In this documentary, you see how this unique art is created and learn about their ancient culture. Isabel Jordan explains the art and culture of this tribe. She spent over 25 years getting to know many Huichol families through visits to their remote mountain villages in central Pacific Mexico northwest of Puerto Vallarta and west of Guadalajara. Writer-Producer-Director Mara Alper at www.MaraAlper.com. Created with the support of Ithaca College, the Experimental TV Center, James B. Pendleton Funds. On view at Kampo Museum, Kyoto, Japan Nov. 2009 - Feb. 2010.

[@izzy2799]

I recently found out that I have Huichol ancestors. Watching this and discovering my beautiful culture brought me to tears.

[@zoealitheia]

How wonderful Isaiah. Así es, as they often say. You have a fine heritage.

[@ArizonaAngel11]

Huichol art, is the most beautiful art you will ever see. To me it is. Thank you for posting this video.

[@laurelkrause2801]

Isabel was a friend and is sorely missed, Thank you for capturing and honoring some of Iza's best essence for all to know. Peace

[@joseep-r.9643]

what a beautiful documentary. I am a bead weaver, and have always been fascinated by the art of the Huichol. Your film has given me a new appreciaion for it.

[@zoealitheia]

Thank you Josée. I'm glad the film inspired you. It is amazing work.

[@zoealitheia]

You are most welcome. Glad it helps your students. What age are they? They are unique and fascinating indeed. I'm working on a one hour piece about their way of life and challenges to maintaining it.

[@josieoden2267]

I was under the impression the people shifted from dyed seeds and stones to glass beads for consumer sales starting in the 50's instead of it being implied that this is the beginning of the art form. I know a couple Huichol artists who say their art spans many centuries time. They enjoy talking with us bead mosaic artists because of the similarities and differences in the two distinctive branches.

[@johndough6707]

CENTRAL to their religion is the gathering of hikuri (peyote-a hallucinogenic cactus in the place they call Wirikuta. Their religion consists of four principal deities: the trinity of Corn, Blue Deer and Peyote, and the Eagle, all descended from their Sun God, "Tao Jreeku". Most Huichols retain the traditional beliefs and are resistant to change. Like many indigenous American groups, Huichols have traditionally used the peyote (hikuri) cactus in religious rituals. Huichol practices seem to reflect pre-Columbian practices particularly accurately. These rituals involve singing, weeping, and contact with ancestor spirits. "It is Wirikuta, where the Huichol go each year to collect peyote." they eat enough peyote (a hallucinogen) to have visions. Because of the visions and effects of the plant, the shaman is able to speak to the gods and ensure the regeneration of the Huichols' souls. As stated by Pedro Medellin, the head of a government study on peyote population in Huichol sacred areas, "If peyote disappears, then their whole culture disappears." From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Be very careful if you don't want to participate in their religious activity OR advocate a religion that doesn't support false gods.

[@ancientenergy]

I know right, that lady was avoiding talking about payote.

[@SpaceHopper777]

​@@ancientenergy I agree she seemed to be avoiding talking about it perhaps possibly through fear of people not understanding what it is truly about. It can be a difficult subject to communicate about with some people in the west as I have found and am only now sharing my experiences with family members. I have experienced Peyote in Mexico with the Huichol people and I'm so grateful for the experience that brought me in touch with these amazing people, their land, their community, Grandfather Peyote, and making me more prepared for the time we are experiencing right now. I am truly humble for having my connection to these people and I will continue to spread their message to my dying day! Peace and love to you all.

[@spineofadog]

I recently came into possession of one of these pieces of art. Is there a place to have them appraised?

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

My great grandmother was Chickasaw...they were southeastern people who nearly their language and cultural practices. The children were kidnapped and sent to,horrific schools where they received physical punishment for speaking their language. The suicide rate was high. Some children died escaping in winter. The schools attracted sadistic, sexually perverse adults. But the some Chickasaw men and women managed to hold on to their language...it’s taught in the local, tribal school today. Some cultural practices were remembered as well, some found amount the record of anthropologists. They are gifted, creative people. It has been a struggle to ,earn if my great-grandmother’s culture...my paternal grandmother, whom I love very much taught me some things...mostly to love nature and share what I have with others. My father taught me so much about nature.I miss them berry much. I am not Chickasaw by culture. I value that part of my heritage with all my heart.

[@wellmanae]

Gorgeous! What kind of glue is used?

[@zoealitheia]

The beads are kept in place with bees wax and pitch (sap) from trees.

[@danielaluna4614]

We are not descendent of the Aztec, white people always wanna speak on our culture but they can’t they are not us. We are not huichol either we are Wixarika.

[@marisolebarrios]

Está super gringo y explotador tu trip, so sad.