Candelero Frida - candle holder from Mexico - height 21 cm

Practical figurine candle holder with Frida Khalo image
Frida figurines are a very popular decorative element referring to the Mexican culture. Most often she is depicted wearing clothes characteristic for her style. Sometimes Frida's face is often shown as a skull, so characteristic of Mayan, Aztec or later Catrin culture. This form of depiction of the figures' faces is closely related to the beliefs and culture of Mexico, which indicates the inevitability of death's proximity and everydayness. Human figurines are a common decorative element adorning Mexican interiors, harmonizing with other ceramic elements decorating the space, such as tiles, jugs, or bowls.

Figurines in polychrome ceramics
This method of producing ceramics dates back to pre-colonial times and is often referred to as Mixtec ceramics due to its geographical location. After the Spanish took over Mexico in the 16th century, Mixtec ceramics were enriched with Spanish-Mauritian elements. Ceramics produced in Izúcar de Matamoros or as others say in La Puerta de la Mixteca are characterized by very high quality, attention to detail and deep color saturation. Decorative pieces in polychrome clay were most often ordered in reference to religious events. Mixtec ceramic products are most often made by artisans descended from the Castillo family, and the artisanal way of producing polychrome pottery makes it very popular with collectors around the world.