Huichol Corn Festival Votive Beadwork Painting, "Festival of the Corn"

By Higinio Hernandez, this colorful nierika, or votive "painting" depicts a festive Huichol tradition. After the corn harvest, the shaman leads a fiesta during which the corn is "sacrificed" and eaten. Offerings are given to the gods, for if this ritual is not carried out, scorpions are thought to sting the children. A corn plant grows tall in the center of the composition, while village elders in traditional dress hold offerings on either side. The sacred blue deer appears with six-sided peyote blossoms and stars. The votive candle is an offering, and yellow scorpions scuttle up each side.