Wixarika Guide - Huichol beaded bracelet

“Hi, I'm Alma Edith Lopez Serio, but my name in Wixarika is Tunurima, which represents nature and the stems of plants.

“Since I was a child, I learned the art of the Wixarika tradition and worldview. My grandmother taught me to make chaquira jewelry, and since then I have been attracted by everything you can do with it--creating figures with infinite meanings that are part of the culture and show our traditions. It is important to me to transmit and grant them as an inheritance to my children, and continue from generation to generation, so that they do not disappear.

“The making of my jewelry is a wonderful process; it consists of challenges and great surprises. Sometimes it is a bit confusing, because when you work with many colors, you do not always perceive the difference between each one; and if you make a mistake, you have to start over. It takes time, but every time you specialize more. In addition, it is gratifying to be able to do it from my home, because it allows me to be with my daughter.

“I am inspired by the experiences of my childhood; everything I experienced in San Sebastián Teponahuaxtlan, my hometown, in the municipality of Mezquitic, Jalisco. Traditional celebrations such as the drum festival, the [cactus] festival, the atole festival, are represented through my designs, along with figures of the iconic deer, [cactus] and eye of God. Each symbol represents and tells a story. In addition to the memories, my heart and my thoughts inspire me, not only to create jewelry, but to invite you to tour my town.

“Finally, I want my jewelry to be known beyond what I can imagine, to generate more and more work, to get ahead with my family and to be able to buy a house. I do not lose hope of having a home of my own; that is why I want my pieces to achieve an important place with those who acquire them.”