Day of the Dead Catrin Parachicos Chiapas Dance Mache Skeleton figure

ABOUT THIS DAY OF THE DEAD PIECE

This day of the dead paper mache sculpture is so well achieved that it seems to be made of clay or ceramic, the skeleton is very well crafted as well as the parachicos costume.The creation of this figure is the merge of two of the most important cultural elements in Mexican tradition: The catrina and the parachicos dance. 

Catrinas were created by the Mexican artist & cartoonist José Guadalupe Posadas to symbolize the futility of social differences by depicting a skeleton dressed as a rich lady.  Posada's work was inspired in Mexican celebration of the day of the dead.

 Parachicos dance is celebrated in Chiapas every January. It was declared intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2010. The piece is mounted on a 3x3" wood base.