Rachel Mitacek Calaveras: Comedy of the Dead
Since the beginning of history, bones have been related to symbolism. The symbol of a skull is used continuously in multiple cultures around the globe. Moreover, Skulls have numerous representations depending on the use of the emblem: flags, tattoos, and art décor are just a few to mention. Within the endless possibilities, this essay will focus on the artistic view of Mexican culture. Some of the first ideas one often correlates with Mexican art is vivid colors, skulls, and El Dia de Los Muertos which translates to The Day of the Dead. Skulls or Calaveras in Spanish represents Mexican culture and can be seen anywhere from old Aztec ruins to Mexico city street graffiti. The idea of a skeleton …show more content…
Some figures are facing the viewer, and some are turned, so their backs are seen. During the beginning of the 20th century when this print was in the newspapers, the revolution of Mexico had started and the old political regime had disbanded. In Calaveras Oaxaquena the viewer gets the sense an event is going on, maybe even a crisis. Some important factors to consider are the mass of skulls scattered on the floor, the crammed skeletal bodies and the character that's jumping in midair with what seems to be a small machete. The main character divides this compressed scene in two could be understood as the political “ poster boy" of its time. Consequently, the skeletons become a symbol of resistance for the future. While this picture was only created in 1903, it is possible Posada understood what the future held for the country of Mexico. As Hitler used the idea of Folk as a propaganda tool (Kamenetsky), the tool used in Posada’s case was the traditional symbol of skeletons against the destructible politics. A picture is worth a thousand words is a famous saying everyone knows, but when adding comedy, that can uplift morals. The comedic satire used in Calaveras Oaxaquena assisted the infiltration of knowledge to those not aware of the problematic government. Francisco Goya author of the Los Caprichos prints …show more content…
This ceremony is a three-day celebration, starting on October 31st until November 2nd where families gather and celebrate the loved ones that have passed away. Folklore states those who neglect their departed family members await punishment on earth or after death. (Brandes) With further investigation, the tradition of the day of the Dead is based on some Catholic masses dating back to medieval times. Throughout the passing years, various parts of Christian religion ended up being used in the Mexican celebration. The first day is dedicated to ritual performances, colorful displays with an enormous variety of skull-shaped foods. The next two days are concentrated for the cleaning, decorating and honoring the graves of the deceased ( Brandes). In Calaveras Oaxaquena the traditional celebration can be viewed by the mass of people with their arms in the air as if at a parade. The image possesses markers that display the cultural identity within the celebration: the central figures garments, the long skirts and the hats worn by the others. In this line of thought, this image can be understood as the livelihood. Jose Guadalupe Posada based his ideas on ballads, native history, folklore and the political struggles of every day in Mexico. (website) The ballad element can be seen in the dynamic movements of the skeletons, natural history portrayed in the clothes chosen, folklore is
Since the beginning of history, bones have been related to symbolism. The symbol of a skull is used continuously in multiple cultures around the globe. Moreover, Skulls have numerous representations depending on the use of the emblem: flags, tattoos, and art décor are just a few to mention. Within the endless possibilities, this essay will focus on the artistic view of Mexican culture. Some of the first ideas one often correlates with Mexican art is vivid colors, skulls, and El Dia de Los Muertos which translates to The Day of the Dead. Skulls or Calaveras in Spanish represents Mexican culture and can be seen anywhere from old Aztec ruins to Mexico city street graffiti. The idea of a skeleton …show more content…
Some figures are facing the viewer, and some are turned, so their backs are seen. During the beginning of the 20th century when this print was in the newspapers, the revolution of Mexico had started and the old political regime had disbanded. In Calaveras Oaxaquena the viewer gets the sense an event is going on, maybe even a crisis. Some important factors to consider are the mass of skulls scattered on the floor, the crammed skeletal bodies and the character that's jumping in midair with what seems to be a small machete. The main character divides this compressed scene in two could be understood as the political “ poster boy" of its time. Consequently, the skeletons become a symbol of resistance for the future. While this picture was only created in 1903, it is possible Posada understood what the future held for the country of Mexico. As Hitler used the idea of Folk as a propaganda tool (Kamenetsky), the tool used in Posada’s case was the traditional symbol of skeletons against the destructible politics. A picture is worth a thousand words is a famous saying everyone knows, but when adding comedy, that can uplift morals. The comedic satire used in Calaveras Oaxaquena assisted the infiltration of knowledge to those not aware of the problematic government. Francisco Goya author of the Los Caprichos prints …show more content…
This ceremony is a three-day celebration, starting on October 31st until November 2nd where families gather and celebrate the loved ones that have passed away. Folklore states those who neglect their departed family members await punishment on earth or after death. (Brandes) With further investigation, the tradition of the day of the Dead is based on some Catholic masses dating back to medieval times. Throughout the passing years, various parts of Christian religion ended up being used in the Mexican celebration. The first day is dedicated to ritual performances, colorful displays with an enormous variety of skull-shaped foods. The next two days are concentrated for the cleaning, decorating and honoring the graves of the deceased ( Brandes). In Calaveras Oaxaquena the traditional celebration can be viewed by the mass of people with their arms in the air as if at a parade. The image possesses markers that display the cultural identity within the celebration: the central figures garments, the long skirts and the hats worn by the others. In this line of thought, this image can be understood as the livelihood. Jose Guadalupe Posada based his ideas on ballads, native history, folklore and the political struggles of every day in Mexico. (website) The ballad element can be seen in the dynamic movements of the skeletons, natural history portrayed in the clothes chosen, folklore is