plant candle holder

Inspired by the art of traditional block-printing, Tariq Khan's tealight candle holders are a tribute to the betel plant's glossy, heart-shaped leaves. Carved in relief by Indian artisans, the hand-chiseled designs are painted white, contrasting beautifully with the natural mango wood below.

By Higinio Hernandez, this colorful nierika, or votive "painting" depicts a festive Huichol tradition. After the corn harvest, the shaman leads a fiesta during which the corn is "sacrificed" and eaten. Offerings are given to the gods, for if this ritual is not carried out, scorpions are thought to sting the children. A corn plant grows tall in the center of the composition, while village elders in traditional dress hold offerings on either side. The sacred blue deer appears with six-sided peyote blossoms and stars. The votive candle is an offering, and yellow scorpions scuttle up each side.

By Wood Artisans of Zaragoza, these beautiful tea light candleholders are created and painted by hand. Wheat motifs are incised into the wood. "Just as wheat seeds are planted in the earth, Christ, too had to die and was buried. He died to bring forth fruit, and we are the fruit of his sacrifice," Dagoberto Gomez explains.