The True Meaning of the Ojo de Dios
Tara A. Spears
One of the first things people notice when visiting Riviera Nayarit is the proliferation of colorful geometric shapes that appear in clothing and décor. The beautiful, handmade God’s Eye yarn weaving is a religious symbol of the Huichol Indians that still live in the Sierra Madre mountain range that includes the state of Nayarit.
The bright colors on the geometric shapes are more than folk art. The eye of God is the best-known figure of the Huichol culture since it represents the five cardinal points. Tatehuari, the god of fire emerges from the east, making it the most important geographical point in the universe.
These amulets make up a cosmic tree and are placed in the sea in a sacred place that the Huichols have in San Blas, Nayarit. In modern times, the eye of god symbol is used as protection on bed headboards, car mirrors, doors and more in order to keep any negative energy away.
The Eye of God is frequently used by the Huichol to protect children. Although the Huichol Indians invented this art form, other groups throughout the world have popularized this craft as a symbol for a higher power.
In the Huichol spiritual practice, Ojo de Dios expresses a prayer that the “Eye of God” will watch over the individual or the person that it is made for. It is a physical representation of praying for health, fortune, and a long life. Some Christians interpret the symbol to be a prayer for “May God be with you and protect you.”
Although there is infinite colors and designs all Eye of God will have significant components. The Ojo de Dios is used as a ritual tool, magical object, and cultural symbol evoking the weaving motif and its spiritual associations for the both the Huichol and Tepehuan Indians of western Mexico. The Indians believe that the God’s Eye is symbolic of the power of seeing and understanding that which is unknown and unknowable. The four points of the central weaving represents earth, fire, air and water- important natural elements.
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. Displaying a God’s eye is to invoke wishes for good health, a long life, and protection from evil.
The Ojo de Dios features four, eight or 12 sides, which are symmetrical. The sides of the object are made of wood, typically thin and flexible reeds. Yarn is then wrapped around the edges and sides to create an eye-catching pattern. In the exact middle of the Ojo de Dios is a rectangular piece covered in a contrasting color. Originally the Eye of God were typically 12 inches long, today any size is used. The local schools teach the meaning of Eye of God in class and incorporate the symbolism into the town festivals and parades. A couple of excellent local examples are below:
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By purchasing an Ojo de Dios you will bring a touch of ancient spiritualism and protection into your home. There are several shops on the La Penita avenida that sell bracelets of ojo de Dios stones. This art is a simple beauty that is a charming addition to your art collection and a great souvenir of your vacation.
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