The Huichol are governed by a caste of shamans, warriors and mysterious sorcerers

Social organization of the Huichol

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

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

This ceremony is held in January each year. The government consists of a number of officers headed by the "taotani" (governor), whose main function is judicial in nature, apart from playing an intricate role in making each and every one of the decisions. Other officials are the judge and the mayor, delegates and lieutenants or "topiles", whose main function is as messengers or police and are under the command of a captain. There are also other religious charges assigned to each temple or "tupika".