This nicho is La Calavera from the Mexican card game Lotería. As the game is played the cantor calls the verse associated with the card they have pulled—As I passed by the cemetery, I found myself a skull. Framed in red it hangs in a glittery gold background of sequins and stars. Gold is traditionally the color of money and abundance. Mounted on crossed bones, La Calavera seems to be smiling.

Lotería, a game of chance, takes its roots from 15th century Italy and was brought to “New Spain” in 1769. It was a hobby of the upper classes but eventually became tradition at Mexican fairs. Each card is attributed to a riddle but has evolved in Mexican/American culture to be associated with the tarot and divination.

Nichos are dioramas often made with household items and are part or extensions of household altars and traditionally act in protection, or in devotion to saints or ancestors. Contemporary nichos have expanded into more non-traditional subject matter, including the secular or the humorous.

Measurements are: 1.5” X 1.5” X .04”