Beaded mask, 'Green Jicuri Flower'

$134.95   (Product ID 19259)

With a patience characteristic of the Huichol people, the hands of Higinio Hernandez transform tiny "chaquira" beads into beautiful and glossy motifs adhered to a papier-maché base. The result is a veritable explosion of color, replete with symbols sacred to the Huichol culture. A must for lovers of the truly rich culture of Mexico.

Huichol culture is guided by pre-Columbian shamanic traditions linked to ceremonies performed in their storied past. The "Jicuri" (peyote) is the centerpiece of Huichol ritualism, revered for its curative properties and its ability to enlighten the one who partakes of it. Other essential Huichol symbols like "jicuri" (peyote), "marra" (deer), "berika"...  (Beadwork on papier mache)

Beadwork mask, 'Crowned Deer'

$119.95   (Product ID 19418)

Beaded female mask on a papier maché backing by Higinio Hernandez, featuring a distinctive marra (Huichol for "deer") design on the crown. Patterns burst forth from the black background, the various sizes creating an unusual sense of depth. Bright hues representative of the Huichol culture energize the piece, as floral motifs inspired by the peyote plant are elaborated in incredible detail. The careful labor required to create these masks makes it an inspiring addition to any interior decorative repertoire.

Care instructions: The tiny chaquira beads are held into place using a traditional process with Campeche beeswax, rather than glue. It is recommended that the items...  (Beads on papier mache base)

Beadwork mask, 'Blue Eagle'

$119.95   (Product ID 37718)

With a patience characteristic of the Huichol people, the hands of Higinio Hernandez transform tiny chaquira beads into beautiful and glossy motifs adhered to a paper mache base. The result is a veritable explosion of color, replete with symbols sacred to the Huichol culture. A must for lovers of the truly rich culture of Mexico.

Huichol culture is guided by pre-Columbian shamanic traditions linked to ceremonies performed in their storied past. The jicuri (peyote) is the centerpiece of Huichol ritualism, revered for its curative properties and its ability to enlighten the one who partakes of it. Higinio Hernandez and his family preserve their cultural heritage through...  (Beads on paper mache base)

Beadwork mask, 'Spirit of the Blue Deer'

$109.99   (Product ID 73671)

A mask to commemorate Huichol customs, this piece celebrates Tamaxi Wuimare, the spirit of the blue deer. Known as Kawuyumaire, this deer is regarded as the Huichol people's older brother; he is a messenger to the gods. It is believed he guides the shaman during spiritual rituals. Higinio Hernández celebrates the essence and nature of this divine deer as he outlines the jicurí (peyote flower) in blue, in honor of the blue deer. When the sacred flower is ingested, participants are able to see Kawuyumaire or his spirit, Tamaxi Wuimare. Two bright and smiling suns occupy the cheeks while the shaman rests on the temples. The mask's hairdo features two burning candles, which...  (Beads on paper mache)

Beadwork offering bowls, 'Scorpion' (set of 3)

$84.95   (Product ID 84970)

Teruka the scorpion is the guardian of the corn – staff of life – and must receive gifts before the harvest. Kupaima and Wereme portray the glowing images on a trio offering bowls. Bright beads, placed one at a time on dried guaje gourds, reveal ancestral Huichol beliefs. "The scorpion represents the duality of any power or skill. This because if we misuse ours, we sting ourselves as the scorpion does when it misses its target," the artisans explain....  (Beadwork on gourd)

Beadwork eclipse, 'Cosmic Duality'

$169.95   (Product ID 90173)

The concept of duality permeates Huichol symbolism, portrayed in beadwork by Santos. In this elegant eclipse, the cool blue moon succumbs to the sun's ardent attentions. Centered by a candle, its every sunbeam hosts a fiery peyote blossom. Teruka, the scorpion, scuttles across the moon, while a rain snake energizes the icy ambience and the sacred blue deer sleeps there....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork eclipse, 'Rain Snake'

$164.95   (Product ID 97595)

The concept of duality permeates Huichol symbolism, portrayed in beadwork by Santos. Cool and blue, the moon succumbs to the sun's ardent attentions as they share a crimson kiss. Each sunbeam hosts a fiery icon while a rain snake cools the icy moon, and the sacred blue deer sleeps there....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork eclipse, 'Cosmic Magic'

$159.95   (Product ID 121133)

Centered by a candle, the ardent sun seems to smile while the moon is a cool blue presence. Huichol symbols cover this exquisite eclipse by Santos, providing a glimpse into their cosmology. A six-sided peyote flower, or jikuri appears, and a rain snake slithers across the moon. The serpent is a middleman between men and the spirit world. Corn grows in the longest sunbeam....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beaded necklace, 'Star of Dawn'

$84.95   (Product ID 131988)

This bright necklace by Higinio Hernández Carrillo celebrates the sun with rays of fire. The Huichol people regard the sun, which they call Tatata, as their divine father, for he is believed to be the source of life. To the Huichol people, the sun has the power to heal. He was created by the God of Fire to illuminate dawn – the most perfect moment for humans....  (Glass beads)

Beaded necklace, 'Huichol Dreams'

$84.95   (Product ID 131989)

"To me, this necklace symbolizes dreams because according to our Huichol traditions, dreams are always magical and filled with color," explains Higinio Hernández Carrillo. He crafts the necklace by hand with glistening beads, featuring the diamond protective talisman, the "Eye of God," as well as flames of fire, said to represent the sun's healing powers....  (Glass beads)

Beaded choker, 'Flower of Fire'

$79.95   (Product ID 134140)

Dazzling jicurí or peyote flowers capture Higinio Hernández Carrillo's imagination, inspiring this handcrafted beaded choker. According to Huichol customs and traditions, jicurí is a sacred flower, for it allows communication with their gods. They consume the flower with fair warning: too much of it is detrimental to their health and would anger the gods....  (Glass beads)

Beadwork mask, 'Eagle Protector'

$129.95   (Product ID 145955)

With wings spread protectively, Werika covers the forehead of a mysterious personage. Regarded by the Huichol as their divine mother, she also represents Our Lady of Guadalupe. One of her heads talks to God, while the other watches over the world. Taa Ta Ta, the sun and father appears on both cheeks. Scorpions scuttle down the chin and six-sided peyote blossoms are also present on this stunning beadwork mask by Higinio Hernández....  (Beadwork on papier mache)

Beadwork mask, 'Powerful Sun'

$159.95   (Product ID 149633)

Santos honors the sun, father of the Huichol people, with a colorful mask that stands as a symbol of power. Decorated with bright bold colors, the mask features the sacred jikuri (peyote flower) on the forehead, whereas the "Eye of God" talisman shapes each eye. It is believed to guide through the paths of life. Stars adorn the cheeks, while arrows and corn stalks shine through the sun's rays.

Santos places the chaquira beads by hand using a bee's wax adhesive on the copalillo wood piece. Please keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources as they may melt the homemade adhesive....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork mask, 'Harvest Sun'

$99.95   (Product ID 149634)

Huichol artist Santos shares the beliefs of his people through a colorful beadwork composition known as nierika. It is crafted as a message to the gods, which in this case requests a good harvest, represented by milpas (corn stalks) on the sun rays. As a symbol of power, the sun is regarded as the Huichol's father, and they communicate with him through Kawuyumairi the deer, and their brother.

Santos places the chaquira beads by hand using a bee's wax adhesive on the copalillo wood piece. Please keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources as they may melt the homemade adhesive....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork mask, 'Prosperous Sun'

$99.95   (Product ID 149635)

Huichol artist Santos shares the beliefs of his people through a colorful beadwork composition known as nierika. In it he crafts a message to the gods requesting a prosperous harvest, represented by milpas (corn stalks). As a symbol of power, the sun is regarded as the Huichol's father and giver of life.

Santos places the chaquira beads by hand using a bee's wax adhesive on the copalillo wood piece. Please keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources as they may melt the homemade adhesive....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork sun, 'Shaman's Power'

$119.95   (Product ID 149636)

Santos creates a colorful nierika message in the shape of the sun, for he is regarded by the Huichol people as their father. A nierika is crafted with the intention of forming a petition to the gods, written in coded form as the Huichol lack a formal alphabet. Symbols express intentions, and through this mask they request the gods to concede their shaman the power and wisdom to guide them. They send the nierika through their brother, Kawuyumaire the deer, represented on the sun's forehead.

Santos places the chaquira beads by hand using a bee's wax adhesive on the copalillo wood piece. Please keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources as they may melt...  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork mask, 'Bull of Success'

$89.95   (Product ID 150507)

Santos shares the colorful mysticism of his Huichol heritage with this handcrafted mask. Shaped from a ceramic paste in the form a bull's skull, it is replete with Huichol symbols that include the deer, messenger of the gods. It is crowned with the sacred peyote flower or jicurí, representing life and success. The God of the Ocean takes the shape of a snake slithering between the horns. Near the eyes are scorpions, believed to be the guardians of the cornfields, the Huichol's main source of nourishment.

Santos places the chaquira beads by hand using a bee's wax adhesive, therefore it is necessary to keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources....  (Beadwork on ceramic paste)

Beadwork cross, 'Cross of Life'

$64.95   (Product ID 150509)

Mexico's spiritual syncretism flourishes in the art of Santos, who decorates a cross with colorful jicurí (peyote flower), symbol of life and success. The Huichol people have been the most resistant to acculturation, and have preserved their traditions and beliefs with devoted loyalty. To them, ingesting jicurí allows them to see and speak to their gods.

Santos places the chaquira beads by hand using a bee's wax adhesive on the copalillo wood piece. Please keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources as they may melt the homemade adhesive....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

'Spotted Jaguar' (2008)

$979.95   (Product ID 150659)

Safe on a tree branch, a young jaguar surveys his domain in the Amazon rainforest. The large, powerful cat is a native of the Americas and is distinguished by his tawny coat with black spots. Arruda Camara depicts the nocturnal feline against a midnight sky, its darkness intensifying the drama of the cat's colorful coat.

Titled "Onça pintada" in Portuguese....  (Acrylic on canvas)

Beadwork cross, 'Success'

$62.99   (Product ID 165047)

The ojo de dios, or "eye of god" covers this beautiful pinewood cross. Peyote blossoms in delicate blue border the bright motifs. Usually crafted of yarn on sticks and adorned with feathers, the eye of god refers to the four cardinal points in Huichol belief. Peyote is revered for its ability to enlighten the one who partakes of it. By Higinio Hernandez Carrillo, this reverent cross represents success....  (Beadwork on pinewood)

Beadwork eclipse, 'Long Live the Child'

$99.95   (Product ID 168494)

The blue moon and the orange sun come together in a mythical eclipse. To the Huichol people, the eclipse symbolizes the female-male union. "I adorned it with the peyote flower or jikurí, asking the gods for long life and success for the offspring of the sun-moon union," explains Santos. He works with a natural adhesive that he makes with beeswax as he places each chaquira glass bead on the copalillo wood sculpture....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork sun, 'Life Guardian'

$99.95   (Product ID 168496)

Santos calls upon the sun, mystical father of the Huichol with this stunning beadwork composition. He decorates it with the sacred peyote flower or jikurí, asking the gods for a long life. The scorpion on the chin is a faithful guardian. Santos works with a natural adhesive that he makes with beeswax as he places each chaquira glass bead on the copalillo wood sculpture....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork sun, 'Of Fire and Water'

$99.95   (Product ID 168497)

Through the image of the sun, mystical father to the Huichol people, Santos asks the gods for life and nourishment. He uses bright orange and cool blue to represent fire and water, essential for life and sustenance according to Huichol lore. Santos works with a natural adhesive that he makes with beeswax as he places each chaquira glass bead on the copalillo wood sculpture....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork eclipse, 'The Guardians'

$79.95   (Product ID 169143)

Radiant, celestial bodies encircle one another, their attraction undeniable. The cool blue moon smiles as she embraces the sun. Brother of the Huichol people, the blue deer observes while Teruka, the scorpion scuttles across the moon. He is the guardian of the corn – staff of life – and must receive gifts before the harvest. An arrowhead and a six-sided peyote flower adorns the sun. Santos portrays the revered symbols on a hand-crafted mask.

The intricate motifs are formed with tiny beads, placed one at a time with a needle. Beeswax is used for glue....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork sun, 'His Great Power'

$79.95   (Product ID 169144)

A serene blue visage haloed by fiery rays demonstrates dramatic contrasts; they intensify the beauty of this mask. Santos depicts an anthropomorphic sun, giving human attributes to a non-human object. The sun is revered as the father of the Huichol people, a source of power. "The sun is very important to me," the young artisan confides. "I like very much to honor the sun through my work."...  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork mask, 'Duality'

$167.95   (Product ID 169145)

A two-headed eagle crowns a mysterious visage of vibrant color. The bird symbolizes Werika, worshiped by Huichols as their mother, the one who listens to their prayers and helps them when in need. One of her heads talks to God, while the other watches over the world. Salamanders adorn the cheeks, peyote blooms on the nose, and the blue deer graces the chin. By Santos, this vibrant mask is carved from copalillo wood, and is covered with intricate beadwork icons....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork eclipse, 'Life Force'

$169.95   (Product ID 169146)

The concept of duality permeates Huichol symbolism, portrayed in beadwork by Santos. Cool and blue, the moon succumbs to the sun's ardent attentions. Centered by a candle, sunbeams host sinuous snakes and a flourishing stalk of corn. A salamander invokes rain and the blue deer stands watch on the moon's icy surface....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork statuette, 'Divine Messenger'

$137.95   (Product ID 169652)

Adorned with the colors of Huichol mysticism, this deer is destined to become a messenger to the gods. Santos decorates it with jikurí or peyote flowers, regarded as sacred. A snake, symbol of the ocean gods, slithers on the deer's back while a corn stalk grows tall on its neck and breast. Huichol artist Santos works with a natural adhesive that he makes with beeswax, and places each chaquira glass bead by hand on the copalillo wood sculpture....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork mask, 'White Deer'

$189.95   (Product ID 169657)

Hamaiwi recreates symbols of Huichol spirituality on an extraordinary mask. "This represents a request to the gods for health, prosperity, life and success," she explains. Jicuri, the precise six-sided peyote buds, appear on each cheek. On the forehead, serpents gaze at a glowing white deer, messenger of the gods. A corn plant flourishes along the length of the nose in a petition for health and prosperity. Candles flank the mouth. On the chin, an ojo de dios, or "eye of god" refers to the four cardinal points in Huichol belief....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork mask, 'Beloved Blue Deer'

$104.95   (Product ID 169658)

Working with tiny beads, Hamaiwi recreates symbols of Huichol spirituality on an extraordinary mask. Kawuyomaire, the elder blue deer, appears on the forehead while white deer grace the cheeks. They are messengers of the gods. A votive candle burns along the length of the nose. On the chin, a diamond-shaped talisman known as the "eye of God" points toward the correct path in life....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork sun, 'Father'

$127.95   (Product ID 169659)

Taa Ta Ta is the focal point of sacred icons. Taa Ta Ta is the sun, father of the Huichol people. Deer peek out from radiant sunbeams in this beautiful mask by Hamaiwi. Ojos de dios, or "eyes of god" form the sun's eyes. Usually crafted of yarn on sticks and adorned with feathers, the eye of god refers to the four cardinal points in Huichol belief....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)

Beadwork mask, 'Vital Corn'

$194.95   (Product ID 169825)

The sacred trinity of the Huichol people – deer, corn and peyote – appear on a beaded mask. Heavy with tasseled ears of maize, warra, the corn plant, lifts green stalks skyward in the Mexican sunshine. For the Huichol, the golden grain is their principal source of food, always present in home life, religious activities and fiestas. Believed to enlighten the one who partakes of it, peyote is an essential element of Huichol religion; the six-sided buds appear on cheek and chin. A golden deer prances across the mask's mouth, and serpents slither along the temples....  (Beadwork on copalillo wood)