Large Day of the Dead Man

This Day of the Dead figure is carved from wood in Bali and painted by hand, with legs that hang loose and swing when the figure is moved. It comes to us through Siesta, the Canterbury Fair Trade importer, which has belonged to BAFTS, the British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers, since the 1990s.

Its decoration follows the Mexican calaca, the skeleton figure of Día de Muertos. During the festival, held on the first and second of November, calacas appear in papier-mâché, clay and print, dressed and posed as though carrying on the lives they once led, in a tradition that treats the dead with affection and humour.

The patterns are painted freehand, so each figure differs in its colours and details.

Looking After a Hand-Painted Figure

Hang or stand the figure out of direct sun, as strong light will gradually fade the painted colours. When it needs cleaning, a soft paintbrush lifts dust from the carved detail without disturbing the paint. Keep it somewhere dry, since damp can soften the paint and loosen the points where the legs are attached.

Material: wood, hand-painted
Made in: Bali, Indonesia