Ancient Mexican art gets a makeover in the city

We all know Mexico for its tacos and hot chocolate but how many of us know about Ojo de Dios (pronounced as oh-ho’s-day-DEE-ohs), an art form that is similar to Mandala Art and looks a lot like a drea
Some Ojo de Dios enthusiasts  at a workshop making Ojos with colourful yarn
Some Ojo de Dios enthusiasts at a workshop making Ojos with colourful yarn

BENGALURU: We all know Mexico for its tacos and hot chocolate but how many of us know about Ojo de Dios (pronounced as oh-ho’s-day-DEE-ohs), an art form that is similar to Mandala Art and looks a lot like a dream catcher.Bengalurean Teejasweeni Iyer is an Ojos de dios weaver and is popularising this perishing ancient art form by making various objects including necklaces and photo frames besides the traditional wall decor. In coversation with City Express, she elucidates us on the fascinating art.

Art of spirit and magic

Ojo de dios is a Spanish phrase which literally means the ‘eye of God’. It is a spiritual object made by weaving a design on wooden cross using colorful yarns.The Native Americans of Western Mexico weave the object every time a baby is born as sign of protection for the new life.“This is a ritual tool, magical object and symbol of culture for Huichol and Tepehuan, the native American tribes of Western Mexico. The Huichol refer to it as Sikuli which means the power to see and understand things unknown,” says Teejasweeni.“When a child is born in the Huichol tribe, the central eye is woven by the father, then an extra eye is added for every year of the child’s life until the child reaches the age of five and is placed at the bedside to keep a watch over them. Ojo’s were also placed on the alter and prayed to for safety,” Teejasweeni adds.

Similar to Mandala art
The Mexican art form has many similarities to the Indian art form, Mandala. Ojos are also called Mandalas. Mandalas or Ojos are very symmetrical and resembles a lot to our rangoli art, says Teejasweeni. Just like the intricate rangoli, an Ojo too can be as intricate or as simple.“Making rangoli and weaving Ojo is a very colourful task and is therapeutic. The ones made in the olden times weren’t symmetrical because people used twigs and branches of small trees so they took a shape of their own but nowadays they use proper sticks and yarn,” she explains.The Mexican art can be four sided or six, eight and even 12 sided. There has also been a huge increase in the use of Ojos de Dios as an easy and fun craft for children,” says the weaver.

Own invention with the Ojo
The artist came to know about the art form through a Facebook page and attended a workshop conducted by weavers from the United States in 2011. Soon after, she started her own workshops in the city.
 “I was indeed one of the very few people who had the privilege to learn this art from Jay Mohler and Julia Kazarina. I began conducting workshops and making wall decors in various sizes,” shares Tejasweeni. “But over a period of time I realized that people wanted something more than just wall hangings. So I started making different things with the art including coasters to personalized frames, neckpieces, broaches, hair bands and hair clips,” she adds.Her artistic invention is often given as birthday gifts and giveaways on occassions. She also conducts workshops for children as an opportunity to learn and appreciate ancient art.

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The New Indian Express
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