1. UNIT 2
Making Connections Through 3-D Design

2. DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
OR
THE DAY OF THE DEAD
A Celebration of Life and Death

3. In many Latin American countries, November 1st and 2nd are
important dates that are part of the celebration known as The
Day of the Dead.

4. These days of celebration are to commemorate
the spirits of loved ones who have passed away.

5. People visit the graves of their loved ones to decorate
the grave markers and clean the crypts.

6. People often
construct alters
in their homes
honoring the
dead. These
alters are known
as Ofrendas.

7. Ofrendas may include candles, flowers, food, water, soda,
juice, and other things the deceased may have enjoyed
while living. A picture of the dead is also usually included.

8. The offerings on the Ofrenda are meant to guide and rejuvenate
the spirits of the dead as they return to visit with the living.
On On
November 1st, November
the spirits of 2nd, the spirits
children of adults
return to visit. return to visit.

9. The rituals associated with The Day of the Dead are
ancient in origin but have evolved with time and
outside influence.
• The Aztec civilization of Mesoamerica honored the dead in a
month long summer celebration.
• Spanish conquerors tried to erase the rituals of the Aztecs.
When they failed, they combined the Aztec rituals with
Catholic traditions of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
• Contemporary celebrations of The Day of the Dead are
fusions of the ancient Aztec rituals and Western Catholic
rituals.

10. The skull or
skeleton is an
important
motif, or
recurring
form, shape, o
r symbol, in
the rituals of
The Day of
the Dead
celebrations.

11. Common
decorative
motifs
adorning
skulls are
floral
designs and
repetition
of
lines, shapes
, or colors.

12. Skulls made of
sugar, known as
calaveras de
azucar, are made to
place on Ofrendas
or to be eaten. They
are often decorated
with frosting and
elaborate sparkling
adornments. Smiling
expressions are also
a hallmark of
traditional sugar
skulls.

13. Other skull
and
skeleton
imagery

14. Luis Pablo Alfonso Castillo
Wood Carving Ceramic Skull
12" Tall 3" Wide 7" Tall 6" Long

15. Altered
album
cover
folk art

16. Effigy- A representation or
image, especially sculptured,
as on a monument.
Elvis Presley effigies
based on Day of the
Dead imagery

17. How can art make connections
outside of the art classroom?

18. Homework
• Identify a person who has died that was important to you.
This person can be a family member , a friend, or even
someone famous that has influenced you personally. A
musician, athelete, or other iconic role model is acceptable.
There are no repeats and your teacher has a sign-up sheet.
• Gather 5 important biographical details about this person.
These 5 details should be at least two or more sentences
each. Ex. Uncle Henry wore plaid pants all of the time. His pants
always made me laugh and he knew it. He was so kind to me and
every time I see someone wearing plaid pants I think of Uncle Henry.
• Obtain an image or draw a representation of the person
from a photograph. Multiple images are recommended.