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Huichol Cattle
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The Huichol people are mainly farmers. Their main crops are maize, but they also grow many sorts of other crops such as beans, squash, avocado, and chilies. Since trees cover much of the landscape there so farming is difficult sometimes. The Huichol people actually have to burn down much of the vegetation in the area to have a place to farm. Because they burn the vegetation from the area, the soil is very poor and crops tend to not grow as well as they should, leading to malnutrition for many of the people. During the summer when the rain comes, they live on their farms in small houses known as rancherias and raise cattle. Beef from the cattle tends to make up much of their income, along with lumber and excess maize they grow during the growing season. The Huichols then use the money they make to supply food for their families and to buy more cattle to raise. They use their cattle to have milk, make cheese and make other dairy products. They only slaughter and eat the cattle during celebrations.
Field of Maize grown in the Occidental Mountains
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Another form of income for the Huichol people is their artwork. They make all sorts of pieces that tourists buy. All of their art is handcrafted so each one is differtent. The most common and known products are their yarn paintings. These pieces are made of regular yarn pressed tonto boards coated with wax. Each yarn painting has symbols and designs that date back many centuries ago. They also are known for their beading. They use shells, coral, and seeds and form them into jewelry such as bracelets and necklaces. One of the most type of artwork they make is the Huichol skull. They take a skull and cover it in little beads. It is a long process making these but the end result is amazing.
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Huichol Bead Skulls
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Bead Bracelets
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