Handmade Hand Beaded Huichol Papier Mache Mask, "Green Jicuri Flower"

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" (eagle) and "iko" (corn) and "warra" (corn stalk) are also represented in Huichol artwork. 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.