Twelve to fifteen thousand Huichol Indians occupy the Sierra Madre Mountains in West Central

Mexico.  The reclusive Huichol people are said to be the last tribe in North America to have

resisted acculturation and managed to maintain many of the pre-Columbian traditions.  During the

17th century Christian missionaries introduced glass beads made in Europe to the Huichol.  The 

Indians immediately incorporated these objects in their artwork.

In some areas of the Huichol homeland tradition remains strong; in other areas people are not so

fortunate.  Luckily, the consumption of Huichol arts and handicrafts, including beadwork, yarn

paintings, ceremonial masks and bowls increased over the recent decade.  This provides an outlet

for Huichol artisans and their families to earn much needed income as well as preserve customs and

beliefs.

Your purchase of these sacred art objects is an opportunity to reach out to an indigenous people. It

allows them to remain living in their mountain villages and to raise their children in this cultural

heritage of meaningful spiritual existence.