purse

Inspired by the colorful traditions of their country, Guatemalan duo Juan and Carolina create this striking set of four ornaments to add to your home during the holidays. Crafted of pinewood, four jolly calaveras, or skulls in pink, green yellow, and white are painted by hand with colorful floral motifs. The ornaments arrive in a handy storage bag handwoven of cotton.

Depicted on a floral base as a deity of glorious beauty, this Catrina by Jorge Escamilla of Mexico exudes a distinguished aura that will change your perspective of the traditional Day of the Dead celebrations. The artisan works with ceramic to create this majestic sculpture, hand-painting the floral and classic details in a palette of bronze and green hues. The Catrina also holds a little purse, representing refined grace.

Parading grandly with her picture hat, purse and parasol, Catrina steals the show. Armando Ramirez creates the iconic figurine from recycled auto parts and scrap metal.

The original "La Calavera Catrina" was a zinc etching created by the artist José Guadalupe Posada in Mexico around 1910. Posada created the character, a female skeleton with an elegant hat, as a satirical portrait of Mexican natives who aspired to European style and denied their own heritage. The catrina has since become an emblem of Mexico's Day of the Dead celebration and a popular folk art subject.

Artisan Luis Morales of Mexico crafts a breathtaking ceramic Catrina to grace your mantel or shelf. Formed by hand from clay, her ensemble is carefully painted in purple, pink and fuchsia with golden accents. She carries a handbag and flaunts a magnificent hat. The elegant figure is based on a satirical etching created by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada around 1910-1913. With his etching, Posada poked fun at those Mexican natives who tried to emulate the fashion and habits of the European aristocracy. Today, la Catrina has become the instantly recognizable icon of Día de los Muertos (Mexico's Day of the Dead).