| | |  Vallarta Living | Art Talk 
Huichol Art at Artensanias Watakame
 Pamela Thompson - PVNN
May 10, 2010
| | Artesianas Watakame is located at Libertad #327 in downtown Puerto Vallarta. (photos by Oscar Alberto Cabrera) | |
 No doubt, many folks have seen or heard of the Huichol Indians in our area. Their bright and colorful artwork, either in beads or yarn is displayed in many homes, museums and shops.
I was lucky enough to be introduced to a very friendly woman named Hilda who owns and operates Artensanias Watakame in downtown Puerto Vallarta. The introduction came via two great friends of mine, and Huichol art fans, Jakob and Oscar Alberto. Their house is a virtual mini-gallery of various pieces, each one with a special story.
Hilda has more than 25 years experience working with the Huicholes and providing a location for their art to be sold.
I'll be completely honest and say after all of my years here in Vallarta, I never really knew much about the Huicholes and their art. After meeting and having a long chat with Hilda, my entire view was certainly opened!
As per Hilda, there are approximately 15,000 to 20,000 Huichol Indians living in the northern part of the states of Nayarit and Jalisco and the southern parts of Durango and Zacatecas. These communities (or as they are called, Coamitas) are mostly made up of extended families on isolated ranches.
Each family may consist of 15 of 20 people who live one to five hours of rugged walking from each other. They are mainly farmers, growing corn, beans, squash and other vegetables. Dialect varies. Some of the art work is done by Shamans and thus, are a bit more "mystical."
Other pieces are ceremonial and may have been placed on alters and blessed. More often, Hilda says, the bead work is simply "an amazing symmetrical symphony of symbols and colors." The art has become a vehicle that carries ancient wisdom and healing powers.
As one approaches the Huichol work, at first, it may seem too colorful and too busy, but as you study the pieces, the multitude of symbols and their meanings slowly emerge. All of the animals, the figures, the corn, the sun, moon and stars all have a very significant and varied meaning.
And here we are, living among all of this! How lucky we are! We decided to have an "information session" with Hilda last Saturday morning at her shop. Fifteen folks gathered together and listened to Hilda, who is like a living, breathing Huichol encyclopedia. We left with broader horizons and a much deeper appreciation for this mystical and magical form of art.
Artesianas Watakame is located at Libertad #327 in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Stop by and have a chat with Hilda. She speaks perfect English and is more than happy to share her knowledge with you.
 Pamela Thompson has lived and worked in Puerto Vallarta for over 17 years, 10 of them in health care. Pamela now leads HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta, a local healthcare resource network. Her years of experience and expertise are available to you by emailing your questions to pamela(at)healthcareresourcespv.com or by visiting HealthCareResourcesPV.com.
Click HERE to learn more about the health and well-being services offered by HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta. |
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