History
"yarn" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: farmerjulie (julie) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
Ojos de Dios are commonly made by the Huichol Indians, who live in an isolated area of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico.
Symbolism
In his book "The World's Eye," Albert M. Potts tells of the experiences of Carl Lumholtz, an anthropologist from the American Museum, who studied the Huichols in the late 1890s. He found the deeply spiritual tribe believed "the eyes of the gods looked out through the center spot, viewing the deeds of men."
Tradition
"rainbow princess" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: linh.ngân (Bùi Linh Ngân) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
Jose Zelaya, sales director of Arte del Pueblo, described the construction of traditional Ojos de Dios in several periods. When a child is born, the father creates the first "eye" on the crossed stick frame, and subsequent eyes are added each year on the child's birthday until he is 5 years old.
Variations
Ojos de Dios come in a variety of styles, ranging from the most simplistic to intricate designs embellished with beads, feathers or other items.
Expert Insight
Artisans like Jay Mohler construct more sophisticated designs using more stylish or creative supplies. The endless choices of materials result in limitless possibilities for Ojos de Dios designs.
