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Mexican Ceramic Pre-Hispanic Mask with Skulls 'Quetzalcoatl Death Dance' Item ID: 2671809138
$79This is your own listing item.
- 4.54 lbs
- 12 inches H x 14 inches W x 3.1 inches D
- Ceramic
- Features an aged antique finish
- Hand-crafted item -- color
- size and/or motif may vary slightly
- Intended as wall decor
- May present subtle cracks
- Signed by the artist
Made in Mexico
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Update
Sadly, we lost Angel Ceron to cancer in 2022, at the age of 69. The master artisans with whom he worked closely (Angel names them each below) today continue his impressive work, upholding his legacy as the Angel Ceron Artisan Association.
Previous Update
"I've been working hand-in-hand with you since 2003. It was my nephew, Eduardo Escamilla, who suggested this, and I found the project to be spectacular. As you may know, I'm an engineer by profession but I feel an overwhelming passion for our pre-Hispanic cultures. This is what led me to create my own representations of the deities from our past. This has been a process in which, together with my family, we've continuously perfected our designs and this is also because I love perfection.
"Thanks to all of you, I was able to become more independent and offer work to more families who assist me. Together with my nephew Eduardo, I've increased the number of designs so that our collection shows a wide range of sculptures.
"One of the most significant challenges I've had to face was my battle with cancer. Unfortunately, it's come back even more intensely, but every member of my family has always been with me. Sadly, my cancer is terminal now, and my family is always by my side.
"Today, my health prevents me from looking after each detail of my work, as I always used to. But the artisans who assist me in the workshop are some of the finest talents in Mexico."
The Angel Ceron Artisan Association is composed of Milton González, Emilio Espejel, Brian Gonzalez, Isaac Espejel, Adrian Gonzalez, Josefina Claudio, Jorge Esparza, Saul Landon, Mauricio Hernandez, Guadalupe Lopez, Magdalena Torres, and Erick Contreras. Everyone is charged with a type of sculpture and specializes in a particular technique.
Original Artisan Story
Angel Cerón comes from a family with generations of artisan experience. He learned the family ceramic techniques from his father, Antonio Cerón Orta, a renowned artisan. Angel began a long study of Mexico's pre-Hispanic cultures and learned the Nahuatl language spoken in ancient Mesoamerica.
First the proper materials must be acquired. Cerón uses clay from northern Oaxaca state, the only clay of this kind in Mexico and perhaps in the world. The unique characteristics of this yellow clay make it ideal for molding. It dries evenly and is especially hard, thus it is resistant to impact and can withstand very high temperatures.
The clay is ground in a mill, deposited in tubs of water and stirred constantly until it acquires a homogeneous consistency. This step can take hours. Left to stand for three days, it remains a thick liquid. Cerón strains it and lets it repose one more day, although during the winter this is hard work, performed in the open air. The blocks are divided into smaller portions and dried in the sun for several hours. Only a qualified artisan can determine when the clay has reached the proper consistency. Then it is kneaded by hand, much as one kneads bread dough, and again it is the skilled artisan who can tell when it is ready to be worked.
Cerón then begins to shape his sculptures, some more complex than others. The details are created totally by hand and some figures are so complicated that they are absolutely unique or part of limited editions. Each piece is modeled by hand and the artisan's talent is a crucial factor.
Once shaped, the sculptures dry as long as needed, some for as long as a week. They must dry in the shade because the clay might split and crack in the sun. Once dry, they are adorned with mineral pigments and high-fired at temperatures of up to 2,327º F for eight to twelve hours, depending on the season (the kilns are located outdoors). After firing, the pieces need to stand for six hours, cooling gradually.
Finally, they receive a bath of earth to give them their unique antique effect, which features slight cracks.
Now that I'm retired, I can dedicate my time to my great passion – representing my pre-Hispanic cultural heritage, Cerón says.
55 Reviews for
Angel Ceron Artisan Association
February 15, 2021
I
Ingrid
A beautiful replica of the original. This artisan group should be congratulated for their work to preserve and promote pre-Columbian art. I am so pleased to have purchased it for my spouse's birthday. He loves it.
Reviewed itemJuly 14, 2020
V
Valerie
Quality and expertly crafted beautiful piece! Arrived safely wrapped! I didn’t look at the measurements and was pleasantly surprise at the size! Thank you!
Reviewed itemJune 24, 2020
M
Maria
Ancora una volta ho acquistato da questo fantastico artista e le mie aspettative non sono state deluse. Il cane guida azteco è ancora più bello visto da vicino. La fotografia non valorizza la sua bellezza. Grazie mille per le magnifiche opere e la cura nei dettagli. Sono sicura che acquisterò ancora . Un Saluto dall'Italia !
Reviewed itemJune 20, 2020
L
Larry
The piece is lovely, professionally wrapped to ensure safe delivery and with a thank you card!!! We are so pleased with the craftsmanship and attention to detail. Thank you!
Reviewed itemMarch 19, 2020
R
Ramona R
This is an unusual and striking piece. Love the historic significance of it, as well as his fierce countenance. Displays perfectly when back-lighted. I am proud to help support Angel Ceron.
Reviewed itemFebruary 26, 2020
L
Lynann
I'm very happy with this,and have added it to my small collection.
Reviewed itemFebruary 21, 2023
K
Karen
This is my 6th sculpture by Angel, and this might be my favorite, so far. The detail of his face is gorgeous. It fits right in, in the spot I had in mind. Just cannot say enough about Angels work !!
Reviewed itemJanuary 19, 2020
W
Wendy
I bought Coatlicue maybe a year ago and recently I purchased Mighty Tlaloc. I love both and plan on purchasing more items from this artist. I love how these statues look beautiful details, very well made.
Reviewed itemJanuary 2, 2020
M
Melissa
I gave this as a gift to a friend who has a dog that looks just like this. His nick name is lumpy. My friend had seen this statue on line and was amused at the similarity to her dog, so of course I had to give it to her for her birthday.
Reviewed itemOctober 13, 2019
D
Daniel P.
This has a place of pride with my real antiquities. Well executed!
Reviewed itemJuly 23, 2019
P
Pamela
I have 4 of Angel Ceron's Day of the Dead dolls and each one has so much character and detail all handmade. I will be buying more dolls.
Reviewed itemJuly 17, 2019
C
Cynthia
This is my second piece from Mr. Ceron. I received one as a gift and had to get another one of his dogs.
Reviewed itemJuly 17, 2019
C
Cynthia
Now I have four of four of his dogs. This one sits by my bed. I love seeing it when I wake up.
Reviewed itemJune 23, 2019
T
Teddie
This is a.wonderfully whimsical and colorful piece. She makes.me smile whenever I see her!
Reviewed itemOctober 24, 2018
A
Amanda
I have several replicas of the colima dogs of the ancient Maya culture and Angel Ceron's are my favorite! These clay works of art showcase the Xoloitzquintli dog beautifully in all his pre-Columbian glory.
Reviewed itemApril 12, 2018
K
Kate
This is a beautiful piece. As a licensed bat rehabilitator, I educate thousands of people each year, and use pieces like this to share information about how different cultures view bars. Thank you for this lovely addition to my collection!
Reviewed itemMarch 14, 2018
T
Terrol
I ordered this adorable dog to remind me of my trip to Maya Riviera. Great quality and very special piece of historical art.
Reviewed itemMarch 10, 2018
T
Thomas
Great addition to my collection of Maya, Aztec and Inca pottery! Certainly a "noticeable" piece. Weird, ugly and Fantastic!!
Reviewed itemOctober 27, 2017
J
Jeanne
Angel does awesome work. I have six of his ladies and love them all. They make me smile whenever I walk by them.
Reviewed itemOctober 26, 2017
N
Nancy
Two of my favorite things together, dogs and history. He just makes me smile. The craftsmanship is excellent. Beautiful work.
Reviewed itemSeptember 29, 2017
D
Deborah
This is a great example of the Day of the Dead art. It is a much loved addition to my collection.
Reviewed itemSeptember 28, 2017
K
Karin
I collect these little dogs. People always comment on them when I am entertaining. They seem to like this one best. It has a nice weight to it too.
Reviewed itemSeptember 28, 2017
J
Jeni
The underworld dog guide is well crafted and heavier than expected. This one is my favorite among my collection!!
Reviewed itemSeptember 28, 2017
C
Cindy
When I saw my sister-in-law's Underworld Dog, I had to have one too.
Reviewed itemSeptember 28, 2017
R
Robert J.
I have now purchased 8 of these figures by Angel Ceron. 4 for my collection and 4 as gifts. They have all been stunning. The persons who have received them as gifts were all very impressed as well.
Reviewed itemSeptember 28, 2017
S
Steve
Quality product. Well made. Faithful to on-line description. Colors are more muted that in the photo - be aware. Overall, pleased with purchase. Shipping preparation was good and no breakage in shipment/delivery.
Reviewed itemOctober 23, 2022
R
Robin
I believe this dog is a portal to the deceased loved ones undergrouund. There have been some deaths in the family so I memorialize them with these dogs who protect those in the afterlife. There are more types and I have more. They are on a "Loved One's" table top of a cabinet. It soothes me.
Reviewed itemSeptember 1, 2017
A
Anthony
Rated 5 star because the beauty of the item is undeniable. My wife collects Mexican/ pre Spanish works and this is superior.
Reviewed itemJuly 8, 2017
T
Thomas
Very well done, fits in nicely with all other pieces of my Inca, Maya and Aztec collection that I have accumulated during my travels in Latin America.
Reviewed itemMay 31, 2017
S
Sylvia
I bought this dog a few years back and have it on my living room sofa table. It certainly is a eye catcher, from visitors always commenting how nice it is. It is small which is perfect for the small table its on. I also bought one of Angels larger dogs for my outside patio table. I love both of them! Just love both, the quality is very high not cheap at all, really a piece of art. As a chihuahua o... read more
Reviewed itemMarch 15, 2017
H
Holly
I am so happy I have ordered this! I've been looking for one for years after my aunt bought one on a trip to mexico back in the 90's!! Not only do I love the item I am sooooo impressed with the packaging and wrapping, what a beautiful presentation! Definitely a class act. Thank you!!!
Reviewed itemDecember 5, 2016
T
Toni
I had already purchased one of the funery dogs but had to have another. They are beautifully made and a welcome addition to a home which welcomes rescued dogs and cats, even though they are not ready for the afterlife yet!
Reviewed itemNovember 14, 2016
C
Candy
Again very colorful love the style and how graceful the statue is ...yet again another imperfection this time on the left leg. A lump of clay that could have been sanded off before painting. This time I will not fix this imperfection due to the fact I cannot guarantee that I can match the color of green on the leg.
Reviewed itemJune 20, 2016
E
Estela
I really love the Aztec Guide Dog replica that I purchased. First of all, it came beautifully gift wrapped with a little charm on the package. It looks exactly as pictured. The sculpture work is amazing. I put it on my fireplace mantel where I can show it off and look at it every day. I am totally pleased with it.
Reviewed itemJune 18, 2016
C
Christian C.
One of a kind piece that's truly great and unique. Thank you Mr Ceron.
Reviewed itemMarch 1, 2022
R
Rachel
Bought this fabulous bat deity for a friend, who had a bat visitor in her home. She absolutely loved it!
Reviewed itemJanuary 5, 2022
M
Marleigh
Excellent quality, beautiful piece. I love these reproductions of ancient artifacts. They hold a treasured place in my home.
Reviewed itemDecember 9, 2021
E
Elaine
This little dog which was thought to guide you in the underworld is a lovely reproduction of earlier statuettes. I find it very appealing and move it from place to place. It seems to fit everywhere and I love to see it often. I love the piece but I also love the idea of cherishing one's heritage.
Reviewed itemNovember 18, 2021
T
Tom
Perfect item; right next to a book with that 'same' Chac Mool on the cover!
Reviewed itemJuly 17, 2021
R
Robert
This sculpture is beyond anything I expected. The detailed workmanship is absolutely amazing. It arrived within a few days of my order, and I could see that great care had been taken in packing the sculpture to ensure that it arrived safely. The person that will receive this as a gift is very interested in Aztec mythology and history, and I'm very excited to give this to him.
Reviewed itemJuly 4, 2021
K
Kelsey
I get lots of compliments on this art piece in my home. I have a “day of the dead” wall and Frida always receives special attention.
Reviewed itemMay 17, 2021
M
Martha
This is as nice as it looks online. It is very well done and looks as if it had been made in Classic culture times.
Reviewed itemMarch 29, 2021
R
Robert
This is an extraordinary sculpture. Arrived quickly and in perfect condition.
Reviewed itemMarch 23, 2021
D
Denise
Beautiful ceramic art honoring a very inspirational artist. Love the workmanship.
Reviewed itemMay 31, 2017
S
Sylvia
I bought this dog a few years back and have it on my living room sofa table. It certainly is a eye catcher, from visitors always commenting how nice it is. It is small which is perfect for the small table its on. I also bought one of Angels larger dogs for my outside patio table. I love both of them! Just love both, the quality is very high not cheap at all, really a piece of art. As a chihuahua owner when my visitors see the statues they are pleasantly intrigued.
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Angel Ceron Artisan Association
Update
Sadly, we lost Angel Ceron to cancer in 2022, at the age of 69. The master artisans with whom he worked closely (Angel names them each below) today continue his impressive work, upholding his legacy as the Angel Ceron Artisan Association.
Previous Update
"I've been working hand-in-hand with you since 2003. It was my nephew, Eduardo Escamilla, who suggested this, and I found the project to be spectacular. As you may know, I'm an engineer by profession but I feel an overwhelming passion for our pre-Hispanic cultures. This is what led me to create my own representations of the deities from our past. This has been a process in which, together with my family, we've continuously perfected our designs and this is also because I love perfection.
"Thanks to all of you, I was able to become more independent and offer work to more families who assist me. Together with my nephew Eduardo, I've increased the number of designs so that our collection shows a wide range of sculptures.
"One of the most significant challenges I've had to face was my battle with cancer. Unfortunately, it's come back even more intensely, but every member of my family has always been with me. Sadly, my cancer is terminal now, and my family is always by my side.
"Today, my health prevents me from looking after each detail of my work, as I always used to. But the artisans who assist me in the workshop are some of the finest talents in Mexico."
The Angel Ceron Artisan Association is composed of Milton González, Emilio Espejel, Brian Gonzalez, Isaac Espejel, Adrian Gonzalez, Josefina Claudio, Jorge Esparza, Saul Landon, Mauricio Hernandez, Guadalupe Lopez, Magdalena Torres, and Erick Contreras. Everyone is charged with a type of sculpture and specializes in a particular technique.
Original Artisan Story
Angel Cerón comes from a family with generations of artisan experience. He learned the family ceramic techniques from his father, Antonio Cerón Orta, a renowned artisan. Angel began a long study of Mexico's pre-Hispanic cultures and learned the Nahuatl language spoken in ancient Mesoamerica.
First the proper materials must be acquired. Cerón uses clay from northern Oaxaca state, the only clay of this kind in Mexico and perhaps in the world. The unique characteristics of this yellow clay make it ideal for molding. It dries evenly and is especially hard, thus it is resistant to impact and can withstand very high temperatures.
The clay is ground in a mill, deposited in tubs of water and stirred constantly until it acquires a homogeneous consistency. This step can take hours. Left to stand for three days, it remains a thick liquid. Cerón strains it and lets it repose one more day, although during the winter this is hard work, performed in the open air. The blocks are divided into smaller portions and dried in the sun for several hours. Only a qualified artisan can determine when the clay has reached the proper consistency. Then it is kneaded by hand, much as one kneads bread dough, and again it is the skilled artisan who can tell when it is ready to be worked.
Cerón then begins to shape his sculptures, some more complex than others. The details are created totally by hand and some figures are so complicated that they are absolutely unique or part of limited editions. Each piece is modeled by hand and the artisan's talent is a crucial factor.
Once shaped, the sculptures dry as long as needed, some for as long as a week. They must dry in the shade because the clay might split and crack in the sun. Once dry, they are adorned with mineral pigments and high-fired at temperatures of up to 2,327º F for eight to twelve hours, depending on the season (the kilns are located outdoors). After firing, the pieces need to stand for six hours, cooling gradually.
Finally, they receive a bath of earth to give them their unique antique effect, which features slight cracks.
Now that I'm retired, I can dedicate my time to my great passion – representing my pre-Hispanic cultural heritage, Cerón says.
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