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Object #     2001-111/18
Object name     Figurine, Day of the Dead
Culture of Origin     Oaxaca, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico
Materials     Clay, Wire, Paint, Lace, Cotton
Dimensions     H: 8.2 in, W: 4.3 in, D: 1.7 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


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