The Huichol Indians live in the mountains of Nayarit and Jalisco, Mexico, and their remote location has allowed them to retain much of their original culture, including traditional art forms. In this messy but fun activity, students will use a genuine Huichol Indian pattern to replicate a small piece of a handmade beaded tapestry with colored beads and glitter. This activity is recommended for older grades.

This image of beaded Huichol art was photographed at the entrance to the Museo Zacatecano in Zacatecas, Mexico, and was the inspiration for this project.

Read more about how TIDES is giving student employees the opportunity to gain skills and experience related to their current studies and future careers.

This project can be downloaded in one of two file types:

• huicholBeadArt.pdf

• huicholBeadArt.doc

Find more information about Huichol Bead Art:

• Lesson Plans
• Principles of Design (Grades 3-5)
• Elements of Art (Grades 4/5)
• Caddo Indians (Grade 4)
• Help TIDES by submitting a lesson plan! Get involved here.
• Pictures
• Beaded Art from the Tyler Museum of Art
• Huichol beaded art on TIDES
• Learn more about Indians of Mexico
• See a Huichol Yarn Painting
• Search the TIDES Database for "art"
• Videos
  • See murals by the famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera
  • Check out students in East Texas learning Tombstone rubbing
  • Watch a traditional dance from the Alabama-Coushatta tribe in East Texas
• Explore
  • Learn more about the Huichol Indians