Angel Ceron crafts a faithful replica of a ceremonial bowl found in the Zaachila archeological site of the state of Oaxaca. Crafted of ceramic, it features Mictlantecuhtli, Lord of the Dead, striking a rather coquettish pose. Respresented as a skeleton, the Lord of the Dead is revered throughout most of Mexico's pre-Hispanic cultures as one of the most powerful deities.

Part of NOVICA's Dia de los Muertos collection.



Product Features:

• Dimension: 7" H x 4.3" W x 5" D
• Weight: 1.03
• Color: Multi
• Material: Ceramic
• Multi
• Signed by the artist
• Made In Mexico

Story Behind the art:
Update (July, 2019) I've been working hand-in-hand with NOVICA since 2003. It was my nephew, Eduardo Escamilla, who suggested I work with NOVICA, and I found the project to be spectacular. As you may know, I'm an engineer by profession but I feel an overwhelming passion for our pre-Hispanic cultures. This is what led me to create my own representations of the deities from our past. This has been a process in which, together with my family, we've continuously perfected our designs and this is also because I love perfection.Through NOVICA, I was able to become more independent and offer work to more families who assist me. Together with my nephew Eduardo, I've increased the number of designs so that our catalog shows a wide range of sculptures.One of the most significant challenges I've had to face was my battle with cancer. Today, my health prevents me from looking after each detail of my work, as I always used to. But the artisans who assist me in the workshop are some of the finest talents in Mexico. The Angel Ceron Artisan Association is composed of Milton González, Emilio Espejel, Brian Gonzalez, Isaac Espejel, Adrian Gonzalez, Josefina Claudio, Jorge Esparza, Saul Landon, Mauricio Hernandez, Guadalupe Lopez, Magdalena Torres, and Erick Contreras. Everyone is charged with a type of sculpture and specializes in a particular technique.Original Artisan StoryAngel Cerón comes from a family with generations of artisan experience. He learned the family ceramic techniques from his father, Antonio Cerón Orta, a renowned artisan. Angel began a long study of Mexico's pre-Hispanic cultures and learned the Nahuatl language spoken in ancient Mesoamerica. First the proper materials must be acquired. Cerón uses clay from northern Oaxaca state, the only clay of this kind in Mexico and perhaps in the world. The unique characteristics of this yellow clay make it ideal for molding. It dries evenly and is especially hard, thus it is resistant to impact and can withstand very high temperatures. The clay is ground in a mill, deposited in tubs of water and stirred constantly until it acquires a homogeneous consistency. This step can take hours. Left to stand for three days, it remains a thick liquid. Cerón strains it and lets it repose one more day, although during the winter this is hard work, performed in the open air. Once dry, they are adorned with mineral pigments and high-fired at temperatures of up to 2,327º F for eight to twelve hours, depending on the season (the kilns are located outdoors). After firing, the pieces need to stand for six hours, cooling gradually.Finally, they receive a bath of earth to give them their unique antique effect, which features slight cracks.Now that I'm retired, I can dedicate my time to my great passion - representing my pre-Hispanic cultural heritage, Cerón says.


The handmade touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen.

Imported