When I started writing this, it occurred to me that a lot of people are painting yarn these days. But this post is about a painting -made- with yarn. The artist spreads a layer of beeswax onto a board and presses the yarn into the beeswax. The best-known yarn paintings are by the Huichol Indians of southern Mexico. The internet has lots of information about Huichol yarn paintings; you just need to search on those terms.
I love all fibery, textilish things, and Charles and I both love decorative art, like pretty plates, blown glass, embroidery, mosaic, and all that. So when I saw a set of yarn paintings at a shop in Austin, I knew I would be back. They were beautiful and beautifully made. I didn’t think the opportunity to buy such fine work would come along again anytime soon.
This yarn painting is by Maestro Cantadero Chaman Hiuveme (could also be Niuveme), or Master Singer Shaman Hiuveme. He or someone wrote in Spanish on the back, explaining the symbolism in the painting.
Es el sol, la sangre del venado y el fuego por eso lo vemos todo rojo. El ojo de dios y las mariposas mos anuncia la lluvia. Os Huicholes le Resamos y oferenos el ojo dios paca que llueva y la motierra no este caliente y asi poder sembros.
Por eso habmos fiesta ofendas y tejuino, bela para los dioses. Nos escuchen el canto de suplica
Echo por El Maestro Cantador Chaman Hiuveme
Here’s one interpretation of the words:
It is the sun, the blood of the deer, and the fire, for they all go red. The eye of god and the butterflies announce the rain. The Huichols repay and offer the god’s eye [the diamond shape at the center top] for the rain and so the land will not be too hot, and so give power to our planting.
And for this we have a party of offerings and [?unreadable?] beauty for the gods. They hear the song of our request.
Made by the Master Singer Shaman Hiuveme