Skulls are a recurrent theme in Mexican handicrafts, reflecting the convivial and familiar attitudes of the Mexican people towards death. Artisans in San Martín Tilcajete in the state of Oaxaca apply their vast wood carving knowledge to various subjects, including skulls. Jesus and Roxana Hernandez of San Martín present a hand-carved copal wood skull figurine in a rich terracotta hue. The green, blue, and yellow circles containing geometric patterns on the skull's top and sides are meticulously painted by hand. Green borders surround the black eye sockets and nasal cavities while a red line separates the top row of immaculately white teeth from the bottom row.

• materials: Copal wood
• Signed by the artist
• Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly