| The Huichol Indians (pronounced | | | | their religious beliefs. Their colorful |
| "Wee-chol") are an indigenous tribe of | | | | clothing is said to give pleasure to |
| traditional people living in western | | | | their divinities, ensuring the kindness |
| central Mexico, in the states of Jalisco | | | | of the deities and protection of the |
| and Nayarit. Many live in small | | | | people. The Huichol men wear elaborately |
| scattered settlements high in the Sierra | | | | embroidered muslin pants, a long tunic |
| Madre Mountains. Because of the extreme | | | | that is wrapped around the waist and |
| remoteness of this rugged mountain area, | | | | held in place by a hand-woven belt, and |
| the Huichol were not conquered by the | | | | a kerchief which may be embroidered or |
| Spaniards, nor greatly changed by | | | | can be made from a combination of |
| Mexican culture. They remain one of the | | | | embroidery and felt. Hand-woven and |
| last tribes in North America still | | | | embroidered bags are often worn, and |
| living much as they did in pre-Columbian | | | | during ceremonies a large hat with |
| times, maintaining many of their ageless | | | | feathers may be worn as well. Huichol |
| rituals and beliefs. Today it is | | | | women typically wear delicately |
| estimated there are only about 10,000 | | | | embroidered peasant dresses. |
| Huichol Indians still in existence. | | | | The Huichol are a highly creative people |
| The Huichol believe themselves to be | | | | and reflect their strong ceremonial |
| "mirrors of the gods" and try to reflect | | | | traditions and rich mythology in their |
| a sacred vision of the world, both | | | | visionary art work. These visions are |
| physically and spiritually. To the | | | | often inspired by their peyote god whose |
| Huichol, everything is alive and has a | | | | divine gift enables them to communicate |
| soul (called kupuri) and is therefore | | | | with all the gods. These mystical |
| divine. They are a deeply religious | | | | experiences can only be told by the |
| people and worship multiple deities. | | | | shamans, but all are encouraged to |
| They make offerings and prayers to | | | | express them in their art and offerings. |
| assure the protection and goodwill of | | | | Through their artwork, whether it be |
| these deities. | | | | beaded art (chaquira) or yarn painting |
| The Huichol Indian tribe sees dress as | | | | (nierika), the Huichol encode and |
| another important way of expressing | | | | document their spiritual knowledge. |