If it weren't for the ruler in the foreground to give scale to this Catrina, you'd never know she was only about 5.5 inches tall. I fell in love with her about 15 years ago, and she has been part of our collection since then.
We are about to move permanently out of the US and many of our treasures are being sold. She is one of them.
Catrinas
were originally inspired by the famous "La Catrina" by Jose Guadalupe
Posada, who drew a very well dress woman in the 1800's as a skeleton in
one of his political cartoons. The Catrina is now the symbol for Dia de
los Muertos, Day of the Dead. They are now used in many ways, most
often as fine pieces of art. Even Diego Rivera has used the Catrina in
his murals!
Most Catrinas come from the small village of Capula,
in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. Their specialty there is the
traditional, ceramic Catrina, which is our favorite form. They are now
being produced in paper maiche, wood and other materials. VERY
collectible, they typically are extremely expensive even in Mexico, if
you aren't in Capula. All but a few of the artists sell their creations
at the Artists Coop in Capula, or sell them directly to the galleries
in tourist centers. A few of the artists have their own galleries in
Capula. We have visited Capula four times now, and each time purchased
way more than we could keep once we returned home, because we love them
so much! We are now just down to our personal collection, and are selling off a couple of those.
This gorgeous tiny catrina came from the gallery directly across the street from the co-op, Galeria Xhenhuaro. They do beautiful work that is a little different than most. She measures about 5.5 inches tall, and has a great face. The details even include red polish on her fingernails. She is wearing an orange cat costume with great spots, a tail,ears on her head, and her left hand is holding up her cat mask. Her hair is greatly detailed. The pictures tell it all.
She will be SO much easier to package than a large one, so the cost won't be too dear.