Paper mache is an essential material in Mexican folk art, it is used to color various national festivities. The artisanal work of the festivity of the first and second of November is known as Mexican cardboard for Day of the Dead and has its origin in Spanish colonialism.
Origin of the Mexican Day of the Dead cartonería
Although the French gave their name to papier-mâché (chewed paper), It is estimated that it was the Chinese who invented the technique, Well, the first known pieces made with wood pulp and glue come from the Han dynasty, which held power in the Asian country until the year 220 of our era.
This technique was exported to Europe during the 16th to 18th centuries, where boxes, trays, toys and even furniture were made. It later arrived in Mexico through the Spanish in colonial times.
Creativity and color with papier-mâché
To achieve the rigidity of papier-mâché, Mexican artisans use Kraft or brown paper; then they harden it with paste and once it’s dry, it’s ready to give it a uniform finish with paint. It sounds easy but it is a very elaborate job.
In Mexico, cardboard is used to make piñatas, masks, the Judas of Holy Week and the world famous skulls of the Day of the Dead. This craft work requires patience, skill and creativity to achieve unique pieces of great beauty and color.
Altars with Mexican cardboard for the Day of the Dead
Normally on October 31st, Day of the Dead altars are set up with papel picado, candles, candy skulls, pan de muerte, salt, fresh fruit, photographs of our loved ones who are no longer with us, and lively cardboard skulls.
Interestingly, both the skulls and the catrinas do not actually represent death, but life. Therefore, they are full of intense colors and glitter; they are dressed with hats, flowers, feathered stoles, zarapes and characterized with living professions: cooks, mariachis, intellectuals and even lovers.
Finally, the Mexican skull cardboard is characterized by the variety of characters, colors and sizes. There are from small to gigantic pieces, such as those placed in the monumental offerings of the Historic Center of Mexico City.
Either way, these Day of the Dead crafts reflect the enormous talent and creativity of Mexican hands. That pride!