Free-standing miniature skeleton bride and groom, from Mexican Day of the Dead festival

This couple is one of a range of items made for the Mexican Day of the Dead festival (31 October - 2 November). Families use these to decorate altars (ofrendas) dedicated to dead relations. Skeleton imagery is used to remind people that we will all die.

This miniature bride and groom is made of painted fired clay, with the heads fixed on using wire. The bride wears a flowing white wedding dress and a lacy veil, and holds a little pink bag; the groom is in a black suit with top hat.

The Mexican Day of the Dead festival combines the Christian feasts of All Souls' Day (31 October) and All Saints' Day (Todos Santos, Hallowmas, 1 November) with pre-Christian beliefs, in celebrating the return of the dead with feasts and offerings.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID:	000-190-004-332-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland K.1999.1422
Date:	1999
Material:	Fired clay; paint; fabric; wire; card
Dimensions:	88 mm H x 46 mm W x 32 mm deep
What:	Skeleton / wedding couple / miniature
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Central America, Mexico Mexico, Mexico City (Sonora Market)
Event:	Mexican Day of the Dead festival
Description:	Free-standing miniature ceramic skeleton wedding couple, the bride is dressed in a long white gown, veil and bag, the groom in black suit with top hat, made for Mexican Day of the Dead festival, 1999
References:	Carmichael, E. and Sayer, C. The Skeleton at the Feast, Texas, 1997 Carmichael, E. and Sayer, C., The Skeleton at the feast. Texas: 1997
Translations:
Related Records:

< 1 of 1 > Back