Many types of birds are seen in Huichol artwork; most often they are eagles and hummingbirds. They represent messengers of Father Sun or Spirit Guides.

This is a nierika; a portal between this world and that of the spirits. The Huichol believe that their sacred traditions of pilgrimages, offerings and prayers keep balance for the whole world and all living beings. Communication by shamans with ancestor spirits and Creator spirits from other worlds is an integral part of pilgrimages to sacred sites where nierikas are found as part of the Huichol annual ceremonial calendar.

Most sacred of all the spirits that give life to and nourish the world: Sun, Earth, Water, Air and Fire. The Huichol express their reverence for these natural powers in terms of kinship, calling them our Father Sun or our Mother Earth.

This is a muvieri,the shaman's wand that helps him communicate with the world of nature and spirit. It is made from Brazil wood and sacred eagle feathers. The Huichol are among the last of the world's indigenous cultures that have been able to maintain their way of life and spiritual traditions. They live in remote regions of the Sierra Madre Mountains of western Mexico.

This is a prayer arrow; which is used as a sacred offering to the spirits by men and boys. It's made from Brazil wood and reed and is painted with colored resin.

This is hikuri, the sacred peyote cactus that lives in the desert of Wirikuta, the ancestral home of the Huichol. Hikuri brings visions to the Huichol that help them find answers to questions such as Who am I? Why am I here? What is my task in life?. It is used to bless the pilgrims, the villages, the crops and all of humanity. It is also one of the most important tools that aid the Huichol in visioning and bringing forth their astoundingly beautiful artwork.

This is Kahullumari, our Elder Brother the Deer, who is the guide, messenger and guardian of the sacred desert of Wirikuta. In his footsteps grow the flowers of hikuru, and he selflessly offers himself as a sacrifice in the rite of the gathering of peyote. He continually emanates the brilliant aura of the oldest ancestor of all: Tatewari, or Grandfather Fire.

These are just a few of the symbols one might encounter when gazing at Huichol art. This glossary has been excerpted + adapted from The Journey of Tunuri and the Blue Deer by James Enredy. We are thankful for his gracious permission to reproduce it in part here.

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