Lovely Threads: Huichol Art in Puerto Vallarta

                                                                                         

In the course of their travels, many visitors to Mexico and Puerto Vallarta enjoy an encounter with the fine arts, whether they want to or not. Even those who don’t have an eye (or a taste) for the arts find themselves surrounded, with no way out. Sculpture on the Malecón, paintings in their Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta – there is no escape!

For those with a tendency to panic when confronted with an art gallery, here’s some friendly advice: relax. Many of Puerto Vallarta’s galleries feature, or at least include, folk art and the traditional arts of indigenous peoples. You don’t need to recognize the work of Frida Kahlo or Diego Rivera to take pleasure in the color and vitality of local artists.

Indigenous artists with a sense of their past
Among the most popular work is that of the Huichol, an indigenous people of western Mexico. Their oral tradition sets their place of origin in San Luis Posotí. They have lived in the regions of Bolanos Canyon, which includes the far northeastern portion of the state of Jalisco, since the time of first contact with Europeans.

The Huichol people, who refer to themselves as “the people,” have developed a unique culture, rich in tradition. Their religious practice has been handed from generation to generation; the people have practiced simple agriculture on their small ranchos for ages. Today, their farming provides them with a small but abundant living, which they supplement in part with their art.

From simple threads to fine works
Huichol arts are truly lovely to behold. Huichol artists are renowned for their beadwork, their textiles and their yarn paintings. The yarn paintings, in particular, draw a great deal of attention for their color and intricate design. The artist can complete a work on any flat surface, from a piece of wood to a wooden prayer bowl or ceremonial mask. The surface is coated with wax, and yarn is then pressed into the wax to create a wonderous design. Huichol people originally created their unique works for religious celebrations. Today, artists continue to draw on religious symbols for the figures and characters that adorn much of their work.

Your stay in a Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta puts you on location to experience the arts, Mexico-style. You can choose to learn something, or simply to wallow in the sensory experience of these beautiful pieces. Either way, start with a visit to Galeria Piramide at Basilio Badillo 272 for an introduction to Huichol art; then see if you can’t find an artist at work. It won’t hurt you to learn something about local culture while you’re on vacation.

About the author:
The author is a huge fan of Puerto Vallarta and enjoys his vacation at Villa Puerto Vallarta. For further information on Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rental and Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta please visit at www.villaencantada.com.

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