gift guide

Dogs as domesticated pets held a place of importance throughout many of Mexico's pre-Hispanic cultures. Always loyal, the dog was trusted to lead its master's soul to the realm of the dead, for dogs were believed to see spirits. Artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association craft this extraordinary ceramic sculpture, a replica of the museum piece dated between 950 and 1521 AD.

When the miracle in Bethlehem blessed the world with God's son, an archangel guided and protected the holy family with his tender wings. Motivated by this story of sacrifice and unconditional love, Guatemalan artisan Liz Oliva uses her expertise in pottery arts to create this ceramic semi-abstract sculpture whose pieces represent God's will protecting Joseph in his role as a family head, Mary in her role as a sweet nurturer and baby Jesus in all his innocence.

This charming wall art captures the heart of Christmas with a wonderfully whimsical nativity scene - Joseph standing alongside Mary, who is tenderly holding baby Jesus under the bright guiding star. The contrast between the hand-molded ceramic figurines and the intentionally distressed wood background creates a delightful rustic aesthetic that brings warmth to any holiday display. Each character showcases remarkable attention to detail in both form and paint work, with subtle touches that reveal the careful handcrafting process. Guatemalan artisan Liz Oliva creates this endearing decorative accent, perfect for adding character to your space and seasonal decorations.

Mexico’s Angel Ceron Artisan Association presents a remarkable ceramic figurine that pays homage to the ancient Colima terracotta figurines depicting the Comala dog, a hairless native species known as Xoloitzcuintli, wearing a human face mask. It symbolized a spiritual guide for the deceased's journey to the underworld, a potent symbol of loyalty and a connection to pre-Columbian beliefs about death and the afterlife. These expressive figures served as funerary art in elite tombs, believed to lead souls across a river to the underworld, much like later Huichol beliefs, and sometimes served as a food offering.