When the early Spaniards came to Mexico they encountered the Huichol (wet-chol) people who lived in the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico. 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. They were woven on to criss-crossing sticks, joining in the center. 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.
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. (source: http://www.layers-of-learning.com/ojo-de-dios/)
**This is an image from the website where I gathered my information.**
Teacher Cindy picked up on the technique quickly and was able to pass her knowledge on to the class. Everyone was able to go home with at least one completed Eye of God and most everyone had two.
Next week is Greek Art!
