Social organization of the Huicholes

Huichol Social Organization

The Huicholes are governed by a caste of shamans, mysterious warriors and sorcerers who fight epic battles on the supernatural plane, in order to solve mundane or divine problems and issues. The governor is known as Mara'akame "he who knows". This caste prepares new shamans or Matewame, "he who shall know"to keep the lineage and knowledge alive. The current Huichol system of traditional authority is a mixture of pre-Hispanic group organization with customs imposed by the missionaries. Among these authorities are the "kawiteros" (elders), who have fulfilled their civil and religious obligations to the community, apart from the fact that they have the knowledge of the group's traditions, which is why they are the most respected and revered members of the community. The kawitero is responsible for electing the members of the traditional government, which is renewed every year in a ceremony where wooden sticks "power sticks" are exchanged. 

The kawitero is responsible for electing the members of the traditional government, which is renewed every year in a ceremony where wooden sticks "power sticks" are exchanged.

This ceremony is held in January of each year. The government is made up of a series of officials headed by the "taotani" (governor)whose main function is of a judicial nature, apart from playing an intricate role in the making of each and every decision. Other officials are the judge and the mayor, the lieutenants or delegates and the "topiles", whose main function is as messengers or policemen and who are under the orders of a captain. There are also other religious positions assigned to each temple or "tupika".