Deer-Tail, Maxakuaxí, (at right) and Fawn of the Sun, Kauyumari, (at left) relate around a calabash votive-gourd, xukuri, that has been deposited in the 'land where our ancestors paint sacred designs on our faces', Wírikuta, by the pilgrims to that sacred land of dawn. This is where Our Elder-Brothers reside in the east to transmit the words of our ancestors to us and to intercede with them on our behalf. The bowl is a prayer and an offering from mankind. Kauyumari reveals himself in the guise of a corn stalk (in his neck) and an ear of maize (on his groin). He communicates with the feathered arrow, muvieri, attached to the back of his head and through his tongue. Two peyote cacti are thrust forward out of Maxakuaxí's throat. He communicates through the multicolored tail that extends in front of his forehead and is equivalent to a powerful muvieri. Both deer are capable of transforming into these plants, which are fundamental to Huichol life. It is believed, according to the artist, that Our Elder-Brothers are carrying out a common search to see what will move them. In other words, they are deciding in what to get involved.
THE COMMUNICATION OF THE DEER
Artist: Juan Ríos Martínez,
1974, 60 cm. x 60 cm.
Interpretation by Juan Negrín
based on a taped explanation with the artist
©Juan Negrín ~ 1974 - 2003 All rights reserved