Deer Shaman

With a patience characteristic of the Huichol people, the hands of Higinio Hernandez have transformed tiny chaquira beads into beautiful and glossy motifs adhered to a papier-mâché 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 expressive bead art, representing essential Huichol symbols like jicuri, marra (deer), berika (eagle), iko (corn), and warra (corn stalk). For these pieces, each brilliant bead is affixed by hand to a unisel base, the resulting symmetry defying standards of patience and concentration.

Care instructions: To prevent the tiny chaquira beads from coming loose, do not expose this piece to direct heat or light as it may melt the Campeche beeswax adhesive.