Fiesta del Tambor, October 4

This is a first fruits celebration, called the Festival of the Drums. The drum is the center of the festival and is played as a way to communicate with the Huichol deities. The Huichol have never been subjugated and maintain a separateness from Christianity, considering Jesus Christ a brother. These slides document the drumming, dancing, costumes, plant and crop offerings, ceremonial fires, ephemera (particularly the nierika or god’s eye), ritual drinks and food, dignitaries and shamans, dancing, and other traditions associated with this celebration. The festival concludes with a dance performed by children.

These slides are housed in LSF Container BB and Container CC.

A descriptive narrative of these slides is found on audiocassette #11 side B, which is housed in LSF Container RR.