Ojos de Dios

Ojos de Dios

by Laura Mondragón

​History

​When the early Spaniards came to México, they encountered the Huichol (wet-chol) people who lived in the Sierra Madre Mountains of México.  The Sierra Madre Mountains are the large mountain range that you can see on the map running north and south.  The Huichol Indians who lived in the mountains made God’s eyes (or Ojos de Dios) to watch over those who prayed at their altars.  

​The Sierra Madre Mountains

​The Huichol are direct descendants of the Aztec. The Huichol people of Jalisco, Durango, Zacatecas and Nayarit, Mexico, known in their native language as Wixáritari, are globally recognized for their fantastically intricate, spiritually significant, and brilliantly colorful bead and string folk art, which command high prices and even higher respect.

​Eyes of God

​ Ojos de Dios is Spanish for Eyes of God.  Pronounced (OHO).

The ends of the sticks represented the basic elements: earth, water, wind, and fire.  

​ The center of the eye stood for the power of seeing and understanding things we normally cannot see.  

​What do Ojos symbolize?

​Some say it represents the cross of Jesus Christ, but originally this was not so.  The Huichol people focused their worship on nature and the earth rather than a specific divine being.  Other Indian tribes since have adopted the practice of making and using Ojos de Dios, and it has become a more Christian-centered item.  Making one is inviting the Eye of God to watch over them.  Often they are made for little children as gifts.  They accompany wishes of health, long life, and protection.  

​Why are they called Ojos de Dios?

​ For protection from the uncertainties of the future, the Huichol sometimes made decorative, ceremonial shields with colored yarn and sticks.

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​These shields were called God's eyes because through them a god might keep a watchful eye over the people who made them.

​What colors are used?

​The Huichol people traditionally used very bright colors. 

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Mexican art is known and recognized for its vibrant, bright, colors, and patterns.  They create energetic lively art and music!

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When making your Ojos de Dios, choose colors that you love for their vibrancy and life!  

​Gifts

​Ojos are a collector’s item and make colorful decorations.  Giving them away means: 

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May the Eyes of God look upon you to protect and bless you! 

​What do the colors mean?

• ​Every color used in the craft is symbolic:  

• Red means love

• ​Green means plentiful crops

• ​Yellow means prosperity

• ​White means good health

• ​Blue means tranquility

• ​Black is to ward off evil

• ​Brown means good Earth/water

• ​Pink means happiness

• ​Purple means compassion

• ​Orange means sunshine