The Government
Every year during the first two weeks of January, the “cambio de varas” or “changing of the sceptres” is celebrated, in which new authorities are chosen. They are not elected by a majority vote, but rather by a group of elders named “Kawiterutsi”.
The civil posts that are elected are: a Tatuwani (governor), an Atikate (major), an Ariwatsini (sheriff), Kapitani (captain), Tsakareti (sergeant),and the Tupiri (police). The number of Tupiri varies among the communities. The chosen governors are taken to the local Mexican government and declare their posts to the Mexican authorities. Each one of them carries a sceptre as an insignia of their command, which make them sacred.
When they get back to their respective communities, the “Varas de Mando” or sceptres, are given to the commanders which will hold them for a year. A bull is sacrificed and the sceptres are bathed in its blood. The sceptres are more than symbols of power to them, as they are also deities that give them power.
The civil posts that are elected are: a Tatuwani (governor), an Atikate (major), an Ariwatsini (sheriff), Kapitani (captain), Tsakareti (sergeant),and the Tupiri (police). The number of Tupiri varies among the communities. The chosen governors are taken to the local Mexican government and declare their posts to the Mexican authorities. Each one of them carries a sceptre as an insignia of their command, which make them sacred.
When they get back to their respective communities, the “Varas de Mando” or sceptres, are given to the commanders which will hold them for a year. A bull is sacrificed and the sceptres are bathed in its blood. The sceptres are more than symbols of power to them, as they are also deities that give them power.
Ki (The House)
Generally, the houses of the Wixaritari only consists of a single room using materials found in the environment.
According to the weather, it is built next to the fields and is made out of sun-dried brick, mud and stone, and canes, with two roofs made out of water, canes, and plants. The house lacks windows and only has one entry point.
The Kaxetuni is a building that is typical of the Wixaritari. It is separated from the ground by pitchforks, the body is made of common reed grass, and the roof is made out of plants. This building serves the purpose of either sleeping, or to store clothes, seeds, and valuable items.
The furniture used is simple. They sleep in beds made out of reed (tapeixtle) or rugs. In order to sit they use tree trunks, stools, or chairs. Another building used to store clothes and seeds is called Kiriwate.
According to the weather, it is built next to the fields and is made out of sun-dried brick, mud and stone, and canes, with two roofs made out of water, canes, and plants. The house lacks windows and only has one entry point.
The Kaxetuni is a building that is typical of the Wixaritari. It is separated from the ground by pitchforks, the body is made of common reed grass, and the roof is made out of plants. This building serves the purpose of either sleeping, or to store clothes, seeds, and valuable items.
The furniture used is simple. They sleep in beds made out of reed (tapeixtle) or rugs. In order to sit they use tree trunks, stools, or chairs. Another building used to store clothes and seeds is called Kiriwate.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is, in many cases, constructed separately and include a rail for the fire, in which a comal, a metate, and pots are put together with bowls, dishes, and wooden spoons.
Hikuri, Maxa, and Ikú
When the Iku first appeared in Wirikuta, it took the shape of a deer, and each one of its footprints turned into peyote. Since then, a pilgrimage occurs in this place, in which the magical hunt of the deer takes place. This tries to replicate the hunt made in ancient times, when the gods made the itinerary of the trip. The corn, according to their traditions, represents nourishment and sustainability.
This trinity makes reference to the development stages that the Wixarika endured as a group. Gatherers, which collect the peyote, hunters which kill the deer, and farmers who grow the corn. Many fests and ceremonies are dedicated to these activities.
This trinity makes reference to the development stages that the Wixarika endured as a group. Gatherers, which collect the peyote, hunters which kill the deer, and farmers who grow the corn. Many fests and ceremonies are dedicated to these activities.
Music
Music forms an important part of the Wixaritari rites and ceremonies. It fills them with euphoria and makes them feel closer to the Gods. In some occasions, they can reach a state of trance.
The main instruments that they use are the xaweri (violin), kanari (guitar), tepu (drums), keitsu (rattle), the flute, and the bull’s horn.
The wixaritari elaborate their instruments with elements of nature. For example, some strings of either violins or guitars are made with horse and cow hairs. The xaweri and the kanari are base on European instruments.
The rattles are made with either stones or seeds. The drums are made with hollowed out tree trunks crafted in the form of a tripod, covered with deer hide. Their musical scale only consists of five tunes, which makes their music dull and boring to those who study music.
The main instruments that they use are the xaweri (violin), kanari (guitar), tepu (drums), keitsu (rattle), the flute, and the bull’s horn.
The wixaritari elaborate their instruments with elements of nature. For example, some strings of either violins or guitars are made with horse and cow hairs. The xaweri and the kanari are base on European instruments.
The rattles are made with either stones or seeds. The drums are made with hollowed out tree trunks crafted in the form of a tripod, covered with deer hide. Their musical scale only consists of five tunes, which makes their music dull and boring to those who study music.
Main Holidays
- Xarikixa “Change of Sceptres”............. First two weeks of January
- Nemawita Neixa……………………….. (Pachita fest) -February 2
- Weiyaki…………………………………. (Holy Week) Variable dates
- Mawarixa……………………………….. (Bull Fest) Month of May
- Hikuri Neixa…………………………….. (Peyote fest) From May to June
- Paraxixiku……………………………….. (Elections) October 4th
- Tatei Neixa……………………………….(pumpkin, corn, and drums) October 15th
- Parietsi Nepakunua……………………..(Wirikuta pilgrimage and the gathering of peyote) Month of October
- Itsanaxa………………………………….(Harvest day) November-December
- Tanana…………………………………..( Virgin of Guadalupe Day) December 12