The Delegates

A group of Huichola men in their traditional dress are posed in different directions. Each figure overlaps creating almost a continuous surface of patterns made by their clothing. In fact, the entire canvas is covered in patterns with the sky at the top providing a relief from the dense decorations. In Huichol culture, extended families live together in rancho settlements. A district of related ranchos is known as a temple district. Temple districts are all members of a larger community district. Each community district is ruled by a council of kawiterutsixi, elder men who are usually also shamans. This painting hints at the solemnity of an occasion of the meeting of elders. The overlapping figures and decorative clothing suggests the powerful communal spirit within the group.

Signed Lofton (script), lower left corner.

This work includes frame and certificate of authenticity.