collectible sculptures

In the tradition of the Day of the Dead, in which people honour those that may be gone but still hold a special place in their hearts, artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association handcraft a ceramic skull honouring the painter Frida Kahlo. The skull, the natural beige colour of the clay, has Frida's iconic brunette braid across the top of her head, complete with flower crown and petite flowers at the ears, and Frida's undeniably expressive eyebrows.

Teeth bared in a menacing pose, the dragon walks purposefully on clawed feet. Dragons are a recurrent theme in Balinese art, revered for their divinity. This beautiful and realistic suar wood sculpture is presented by Ketut Seji, wife of the late Balinese artisan Ketut Taram as she continues his carving legacy.

Dressed for the charreada, or Mexican rodeo, this elegant catrina is dazzling. Mexican artisan Luis Morales crafts the statuette by hand from clay and paints her magnificent red and gold costume in stunning detail. Women have traditionally had a role in the event by demonstrating their horsemanship with choreographed, synchronized maneuvers. The elegant figure is inspired by 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).

Turned out in her Sunday finest including picture hat and parasol, this catrina from Luis Morales will add color and culture to any place she is displayed. Formed by hand from clay, her ostentatious ensemble is carefully painted in aqua, blue, purple and silver hues. 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).

The recurrent theme of the dragon in Balinese art underscores the legendary animal's divinity in their culture, a motif that has not escaped the artistic eye of Seji Taram. Believed to be the guardian of the gods, this baby suar wood dragon with wings fiercely protects the sanctity of the home.

Jose Canil Ramos combines Guatemala's Day of the Dead customs with Christian traditions for the design of this extraordinary nativity scene. "I thought it would be fun to make it with innocent skeletons," explains Canil. He carves each pinewood figurine by hand, allowing each piece to bake to achieve an aged, rustic appearance. This nativity scene includes the Holy Family, the Three Kings, and angel, and mule and an ox, for a total of nine pieces.

Joseph's hand and staff, as well as the angel's wings are removed for shipping.