Papier-mâché Figures

Day of the Dead figures

Papier-mâché sculpture is a popular Mexican folk art.  Skeleton figures like these are especially sought after for Day of the Dead. These figures represent Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.  The design is based on one of Kahlo’s paintings, shown here.  The bases of the individual figures fit together to form a heart.  The artists were married from 1929 to 1939 and again from 1940 until her death in 1954.  These sculptures were made by Felipe Linares Mendoza.  The Linares family is famous for their papier-mâché sculptures, and pieces of theirs are featured in museums around the world.

Frida and Diego Rivera
Frieda and Diego Rivera, 1931. Frida Kahlo. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Explore more Day of the Dead artifacts below

Skull candle holder
Candle Holder
calaverita
Calaveritas
papel picado
Papel Picado
Day of the dead toy
Wooden Toy
La Catrina figure
La Catrina Figure
Day of the Dead ceramic plate
Ceramic Plate