The Huichol Technique of Adding Beads to Gourd Art takes a few tools and many beads. I will show you what you need and introduce the process.
This famous folk art, arte Wikárika, has achieved international recognition for its stunning colors and designs drawn from the Huichol people’s deep respect for the natural world. This technique has few supplies, and many gourd artists find the process relaxing. This post explores creating a Huichol-style beaded bowl as a simple beginner project.
The Huichol (Pronounced wee-CHUL)) people of Mexico are experts at crafts involving the application of beads or yarn to create mosaic-style designs. Most of their artwork involves fewer than ten colors, although some pieces have as many as 50 colors. Pastel shades are avoided in this art form. Black and shades of red, orange, blue, purple, and yellow are most popular. Huichol designs often include animals, plants, and celestial objects, representing their shamanic faith.
Supplies for the Huichol Beading Technique
Beads
You can choose any size of seed beads, whether glass or plastic. The most popular seems to be the #11 size. The critical part is the need for the bead to have flat sides and be round.
Keeping them organized and not rolling off the work table will be challenging. See-through containers with lids work; others like to keep them in tubes.
Tools to set the bead into the wax
In the videos, you will see two methods. Traditional artists use a long needle to hold the beads, then drop them into the wax.
You can also use this modern bead tool.
Or, just use toothpicks.
The Wax for the Huichol beading Technique
You can use special wax from Mexico or you can buy modern substitutes that are convenient or buy simple bee wax.
Mexican campeche wax
Tackee Wax
Common bee’s wax
Huichol technique Pattern Sources
Most designs used by the Huichol were of animals. They would decorate the inside of a gourd bowl to use in rituals and to hold valuable shells and objects. Many of their designs came during sessions smoking peyote. I don’t recommend that to you. Instead, you can find many patterns on YouTube or Pinterest.
I suggest creating your design using objects and animals you enjoy looking at. Let your bowl reflect your culture. To help you with your designs, work with graph paper.
There are several videos on creating patterns. I found one Mexican artist with several, but they are in Spanish. I did find one intro video with subtitles. It is worth watching to see his different process from the other video.
Check out his Youtube channel if you want to learn more patterns and different huichol techniques. They are in Spanish, but I think you can get the process from the images.
The Basic Huichol Technique
Now we will look at the basic process and the steps to success!
Before trying this on a gourd, select a shard that could become a necklace when finished. If you start with a shard, you won’t waste supplies and you will get less frustrated because you can easily toss it. When you do the inside of a gourd, make sure the inside is well-sanded and cleaned.
Step 1. Applying Pattern
Sketch your design on the inside of the bowl with a waterproof markerStay with a simple, central pattern for your first project. A sun, crescent moon, or flower might be good choices.
Step 2. Applying the Wax
Coat the inside of the wooden bowl with the softened wax using a 1-inch, flat paintbrush. The artist in the video uses a commercial brand that you roll in your hand until it becomes warm and pliable. Then you press it on the gourd with your thumb and fingers.
Step 3. Getting the thickness right
Wax only the area you will be working in. The layer of wax must be the thickness of half the height of the beads you will be using. Don’t place it so thickly that it obscures your design, or it is uneven. You can scrape it level with a metal ruler. It must be thick enough to hold your beads in place. Wax should be tacky to the touch.
Step 4. Setting the Bead on the Wax
The Hard Part
The skill that needs practicing is setting the bead on the wax.
After a while, you will aquire the touch and begin to relax and enjoy the repetition.
The artist in our video will show you how she uses her bead tool to control the amount of wax on the gourd surface.
Gently drop the bead on the wax surface working from the center of the pattern and outward.
You do not want the bead pushed deep into the wax; it should sit on top
Step 5. Build your design from the center to the edges.
Try to keep the colors symmetric for the most professional look. Use stripes or V-shaped patterns of beads to fill in solid areas. Vary the colors, keeping the design simple and bright.
Stop your beadwork just short (about one bead’s width) from the upper edge of the bowl. Let your work rest in a cool place to set the wax.
Step 6. Seal Your Work
Coat the inside of the bowl with an acrylic sealer at room temperature; apply the sealer gently to avoid disturbing the beads. The sealer will help seal the beads to the bowl and each other to preserve the design.
Warning
Beaded bowls are intended for decorative purposes only; don’t use them for food or storage. Keep your beaded bowls away from heat.
Here is a short video in English with tips on getting started and using the bead tool.
Here are some lovely examples of beaded gourd bowls using the huichol technique.
While doing this research on the huichol technique, I was amazed at how many hard surfaces can be covered with beads. This technique could get very addictive. The one item that blew me away was this car! I have included a short video I thought you might enjoy seeing.
Huichol Art on Wheels
I hope you will give this Huichol bead technique a try. Be patient with yourself. When a Huichol artist was asked why he did a process that took a lot of time, he said this.
“Time for me is not a criterion to value my art since the artistic activity is the same as playing an instrument or learning a difficult game. I do it because it is enjoyable, and the creation is the reward for the time spent.”
He also said he creates art because he enjoys how it communicates. “Your art is like a mirror, in which “the artist and the viewer meet to awaken and enjoy their common roots.”
He explains that when an ignorant person is placed in front of the mirror, ignorance is unfortunately reflected. “You need talent in the viewer to acknowledge the talent of the artist,”
If you have tried this technique and want to share some tips on the products you use or the process that works best for you, I like to hear from you.
Share your thoughts here in the comment box or share them with all the gourd artists on our Facebook Group Page.
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This video was wonderful. I knew nothing about Huichol art before seeing this. Thank you for this very informative website.