Huichol Votive Bowl

This votive bowl from the Huichol culture was made in Jalisco, Mexico.  Huichol shamans make these bowls as offerings to the gods so they will hear prayers for health, luck, and well-being.  The bowl is created from a dried gourd which is lined with beeswax.  Multicolored beads are then impressed in the wax to create elaborate designs.  On this bowl, the design depicts a peyote cactus in the center surrounded by maize plants, jackrabbits, cattle, deer, and people.

Learn more about the Huichol people and their yarn painting art with Cultures Up Close.