Using Multimedia to Expand the Audience of ... - Richard Repp

Using Multimedia 34
Cultural anthropologists regard the Huichol as the largest of the indigenous
ethnic groups in Mexico with an approximate population of 26,000 (Answers
Corporation, 2007) who have maintained a traditional lifestyle of cultivating the land and
practicing shamanism (Schaefer & Furst, 1996). For the most part, the Huichol are
reserved and self-reliant people not venturing far from their own society, and who also
limit participation in the Mexican economy. Frances Toor (1967) observed that, while
some chose a modern way of life in a city, most others did not allow their ancient
heritage to be lost, therefore living in indigenous communities practicing their traditional
rituals and beliefs. Like their work, their art is strongly associated with cultural identity.
The Huichols attract outside attention because of their unique spiritual use of the peyote,
a hallucinogenic cactus, in connection with the creation of folk art. Stimulated by the
peyote, the artist communicates with the gods of nature. Each spring, pilgrims return to a
sacred area in the Chihuahaun desert, Wirikúta, the traditional place of origin. Annually,
the 300-mile journey begins on the Pacific coast of Nayarit. Heading east, the trek was
formerly made on foot, crossing three states to reach the desert of San Luis Potosí.
Customarily, artists leave their artwork as sacred offerings along the journey route.
Additionally, functional art decorates Huichol’s daily life with embroidered clothes,
woven bags called cuchuries, and bead necklaces. The Huichol come down from the
mountains to sell their artwork and farm goods to tourists and to the general Mexican
public.
Figure 12. Embroidered pants of one of the violinist