Carving Item Number: Ni70 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Roughly shaped stylized humanoid figure with inverted triangular head. Two upright arm-like extensions on either side of head. Body has two stacked forms with sharp v's to either side. Wide rectangular-like base. Small burnt circular holes outline all body and facial features. All beaded decorations are pressed into beeswax. At front top of head are thirteen carved notches. The deeply carved almond shaped eyes have black, red, and yellow bead pupils. The indented mouth has a double row of red beads. There is a double row of vertical red beads at base of arm on left, while red, and black beads at base of arm on right. Black and red bead cross at centre front of first body form. Circular beaded decorations: four on top of head, a row of four down each side and centre back, three at front of second body form, one at centre front base. Multiple strands of pink yarn are looped around neck, knotted at front and back, as ends hang free.
Cultural Context
contemporary; tourist art; ritual
Iconographic Meaning
Image may represent 'mother maize'?
Narrative
The Wixáritari are known to the larger world as the Huichol, however that is not the name they use to refer to themselves.
Item History
- Made in Jalisco, Mexico and Nayarit, Mexico before 1980
- Collected during 1980
- Owned by Cicuri Shop
- Owned by Ralph Maud before February 1, 1982
- Received from Ralph Maud (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on February 1, 1982
What
Who
- Culture
- Huichol
- Previous Owner
- Cicuri Shop and Ralph Maud
- Received from
- Ralph Maud (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Jalisco, Mexico and Nayarit, Mexico
When
- Creation Date
- before 1980
- Collection Date
- during 1980
- Ownership Date
- before February 1, 1982
- Acquisition Date
- on February 1, 1982
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 93
- Accession Number
- 0774/0029