A remarkable one-of-a-kind ceramic calavera catrina with monarchs made in Oaxaca by Stela Aguilar, daughter of Concepcíon Aguilar. A Mexican folk piece uniting a catrina and monarchs who over winter in Mexico.

The detailed painted monarchs are all over the catrina’s dress and in her hair. She is wearing a rebozo style famous in Mexico and has her hair in a traditional braided style.

La Calavera Catrina is an important icon of Day of the Dead in Mexico. Originally, she was created by José Posada, a printmaker for the people. He was critiquing the European fashion of the rich during the reign of Porfirio Díaz. Over the years she has been adopted as a cultural symbol during the festivities of Day of the Dead in Mexico.

Stela Aguilar is a Mexican folk artist potter who works with her mother in their workshop in Ocotlán de Morelos, a village about an hour from Oaxaca City. Modela visits them every time they are in Oaxaca and orders other clay pieces from them as well.

Signed on the back.

The photo pictured is of Concepcíon Aguilar in she and Stela’s workshop.

Size: 10.25” high x 5.25” wide x 3.75” deep.