Figure

Figures like these, made by local artisans, have commonly been sold in indigenous markets throughout Mexico, especially for Day of the Dead celebrations. The figures are used as domestic decorations and presents for children. In 2019 Shelton noted that both the large Oaxaca market and the Sonora market in Mexico City had far fewer stalls selling this type of figure than there had been twenty years earlier. One maker in Oaxaca said domestic demand had declined, and that there were fewer artisans as many of the older makers had died and their children hadn't taken-up the craft. Some of the artisans make skeletal figures encased in glass, to sell to tourists through folk art shops.

Purchased directly from the maker in Oaxaca in 2019. Sra. Elipidia Chacon Ruiz told Shelton that her parents had also been potters in Oaxaca. She is in her 80s, and has taught her daughters and their children how to make the figures. She also told him it was the younger members of her family that came up with the idea of making skeletons in cars and racing cars.

Day of the Dead figure. Figure depicts two grinning devils playing musical instruments. Both devils are painted red, and have pointed horns. Their heads and tails are attached to their bodies by metal springs. Red glitter is adhered to the devils' bodies, covering them from neck to feet. The devil on the left has a long, rounded beard, and is playing a guitar. The devil on the right has a long, pointed beard, and is playing a wind instrument. Both devils are standing on a rectangular, yellow and white base.