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Object #     2001-111/19
Object name     Figurine, Day of the Dead
Culture of Origin     San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca State, Mexico
Maker or Artist     Inocencio Vasquez Melchor
Materials     Wood, Paint
Techniques     Painted
Dimensions     H: 8.5 in, W: 2.5 in, D: 4.5 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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