Arts & Cultures Collections Database

 Arts & Culture Collections » Burke Museum Objects  » Object Details

« BACK TO SEARCH RESULTS
   
Object #     2001-111/17
Object name     Figurine, Day of the Dead
Culture of Origin     Oaxaca, Mexico
Materials     Clay, Wire, Paint
Dimensions     H: 5.8 in, W: 2.2 in, D: 1.6 in
Exhibit Label    

Calacas (carved skeletons) are made of wood, papier mache, and clay. They represent death, remind us of mortality, and are a common decoration in many forms. Calacas can humorously reflect what the dead enjoyed in life, or will be doing in death, including: weddings, scuba diving, dancing, playing music, taking photographs, and a business woman on a cell phone.
Source     Museum Expedition - Anthropology Division


Additional images are available:

 
   
Many artworks displayed in the Collection Search are protected by copyright or trademark. If you are interested in reproducing these images, please visit the Reproduction and Use Policy site.