Ceremonial Arts (Artes Ceremoniales)
Objects made for religious purposes have always been important in Mexican culture. In some cases, Indian groups, such as the Huichol, have maintained their ancient practices based on nature deities. But for most people, these indigenous traditions have been creatively combined with the introduced religion of Christianity. A perfect example is copal, a Pre-Columbian incense burned during Catholic ceremonies.
Some religious objects are used for home and other personal observances. Many involve promises or appeals to the Virgin or saints, or thanks for blessings granted. Major forms of devotional art are paintings and statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary and the many patron saints, notably the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico. Both church and home may include such images in beautifully decorated altars.
Devotional objects play a key role during the annual cycle of festivals, including Carnaval, Holy Week, Corpus Christi, the Day of the Dead, Christmas, and the various feast days devoted to the local patron saint. These objects take their place among the multi-sensory Mexican celebrations, which include music, incense and candles, special foods, fireworks, floral offerings, and special toys for the children.
Most ceremonial objects are produced by local specialists. In fact, many ceremonial arts have been commercialized, as in the indigenous yarn painting of the Huichol or the paper dolls of the Otomí Indians.
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