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Huichol Community of Jalisco

The Huichol people of Mexico inhabit one of the country's most isolated and inaccessible regions. This seclusion has allowed the culture's traditions and customs to persist over time. A community of artisans in the western state of Jalisco proudly presents their original and meaningful crafts to the world through Novica, elaborating masks and other decorative items in yarn and tiny beads on native wood. Every piece possesses singular significance for the Huichols.

Each piece is patiently crafted by hand. First the shape is sculpted of wood or shaped in ceramic. It is polished and covered with a thin coat of beeswax, before tiny chaquira beads are adhered, applied one at a time. A needle is used to position them with precision. Other pieces are adorned with bright strands of yarn.

Take special care not to expose these objects to direct heat or light, which could cause the wax to dry or soften and loosen the beads or yarn.