by Kristi Myllenbeck
Bouquets of marigolds, candles, baskets of fruit, religious iconography with a colorful horned mask perched upon it – these are just a few of the items altar artist Lissa Jones uses to adorn her creation honoring departed loved ones during Día de los Muertos.
Day of the Dead, as it is also known, is a vibrant two-day celebration of life and death, observed by millions worldwide November 1 & 2. Originating in Mexico, this holiday blends Aztec and Catholic traditions and has roots in the ancient indigenous cultures of the region. During this time, it is believed that the spirits of departed loved ones return to visit the living.
Jones, a self-described “culturally historic traditional practitioner,” has a background in spatial design and photography, and has traveled extensively in Oaxaca, Mexico specifically to document Day of the Dead.
“I have an old body of [photo] work that really centers around going out to the small villages, the very rural, agrarian areas where traditional practices are still held fast to families,” she said. “This practice, this [altar] style, is very unique to what you’d find in Oaxaca. And other areas have completely different approaches.”
Each facet of the altar holds significance. Jones starts with an armature to create tiers of the altar which represent the connection between heaven and earth. When it comes to aesthetics and creative process, she trusts her instincts.
“I just bring great traditional ingredients. It’s like opening up a refrigerator and making a meal from what you find,” she laughed. “It really is all about the ancestors. It’s about celebrating their lives and paying tribute to them. And what you’ll put on the altar is maybe their favorite food, items that were special to them, or photographs of them.”
Many altars will feature aromatic marigolds–said to bring the ancestors back and lead the way–and food and water for the ancestors to enjoy after a long journey. And once they arrive?
“We celebrate them, we tell stories, we gossip, all the things you do with your loved ones,” Jones said. “And then they depart.”
Jones’ altar, which will be on display at the Children’s Discovery Museum until November 6, gives children and adults alike a peek into the traditional practices during Día de los Muertos and, Jones hopes, inspiration for their own homes.
“I’d like people to come up with some creative ideas and contemplate maybe starting to build an altar for themselves,” she said. “[Altar building] is all very interpretive–this tends to be very traditional, but some people build altars and they’re political or cause-oriented or specific to a topic that’s currently happening in the world.”
To buy tickets or get more information about Día de los Muertos at the Purple Museum, visit our website.
