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 skeletons in wedding attire. The skeleton on the right has its arm around the shoulder of the other. Both skeletons have white hair, made from a cotton ball, and their heads are attached to their bodies via springs. The skeleton on the left is wearing a white dress. The upper portion of the dress is painted on, and the skirt is made from two layers of fibre. The under layer of the skirt is solid white, and the second layer is made of white netting with silver sequins affixed to it. Gold details are painted onto the dress's chest and sleeves. In the skeleton's right hand is a large white flower. The skeleton on the right is wearing a white shirt, as well as a black jacket, tie, pants, and shoes. The lapels, shirt and pant edges, and shoes are all detailed with gold paint.