Los Hermanos Ruiz - the brothers José Manuel (left) and Roberto Abraham Ruiz Salazar of Netzahualcoyutl, Mexico - are the featured artisans at the Silver City Museum's celebration of Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican tradition of honoring loved ones who've died.Silver City -- Sunday, October 29, the Silver City Museum is hosting a community celebration of Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead to honor loved ones who've passed on, featuring the brothers José Manuel and Roberto Abraham Ruiz Salazar, internationally acclaimed artisans from Netzahualcoyutl, Mexico, who create incredibly detailed, miniature bone carvings, which reflect timely themes of death, revolution and transformation. The celebration begins at noon and concludes at 5:00 pm, and includes the annual "people-powered" Dia de los Muertos parade, which starts at 3:30 pm from the intersection of Pope Street and College Avenue, ending at the museum.
Other events and activities include La Llorona Puppet Show at 12:15 on the outdoor stage, musical performances by Keana Huerta, Angelica Padilla and Bayou Seco, as well as food and artisan vendors. Face painting will be available from noon to 3:00 pm at several locations, by donation. Food vendors include La Bonita Bakery, LULAC Burritos and Fork Off. On November 2, a blessing of the ofrendas, led by Caterina Di Palma, begins at 2:00 pm at Knealing Nun Mercantile, and ends at the museum. Visit the Silver City Dia de los Muertos Facebook page for further information.
Schedule of Events:
12:15 La Llorona Puppet Show
1:00 Keana Huerta
1:00 Bone carving presentation by artisans José Manuel and Roberto Abraham Ruiz Salazar
1:45 La Llorona Puppet Show
2:15 Angelica Padilla
3:30 Parade
4:00 Bone carving presentation by artisans José Manuel and Roberto Abraham Ruiz Salazar
4:15 Bayou Seco
The miniature bone carvings of the Ruiz brothers reflect the many aspects of life and death, and often feature skeletons and skulls, including the famous "La Calavera Catrina," the icon of the Mexican celebration of Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. The Ruiz brothers learned their craft from their father, Don Roberto Ruiz, and have been featured artisans at the annual Fiesta Latina, held each June at Western New Mexico University.
They will offer two presentations in the museum gallery, the first at 1:00 pm, followed by a bone carving demonstration in the courtyard. A second presentation is scheduled for 4:00 pm.
The Ruiz brothers were drawn to the concept of death from a very young age. They watched their father as he sculpted intricate figures – a slender woman adorned with a lavish feathered and flowery hat, dancing alongside a menacing figure with fangs, horns, and a shaggy body. Curious, they asked their father about the identities of these figures, to which he replied that they represented death and the devil – themes he cherished and sculpted throughout his life.
The brothers developed a deep affection for their father's artwork and were equally captivated by his tales of ghosts and encounters with the calaca garbancera, now recognized as calaca catrina. These stories unveiled a world of violence and unrest, where people perished in barroom brawls and remnants of the Mexican Revolution lingered. Consequently, the Ruiz brothers developed a unique perspective on death, one that diverged from the norm.
As the years passed, they delved into the history of bone carving, discovering its ancient roots. They marveled at the fact that this art form had been practiced across the globe, utilizing various animal as well as human bones. This fascination led them to the realization that the Zapotecs in Oaxaca had used bone carving for ceremonial purposes.
Determined to carry on the legacy of their ancestors, the Ruiz brothers embraced the Zapotec heritage and the legacy passed down by their father. To them, death is a natural part of life, and they express this concept through their sculptures. These intricate creations embody their unique perspective, capturing the essence of life's fleeting journey.
Sponsors and partners for all Dia de Los Muertos activities include Janey Katz and Suzi Calhoun, Diana Ingalls Leyba Studio and Gallery, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Silver City Museum Society, and the Town of Silver City.
For more information, please contact Sarah Zamora, community engagement manager, at (575) 597-0230, or communityengagement@silvercitymuseum.org .
Ann McLean and pal of Ann's Little Pony Ranch completed last year's Dia de los Muertos paradeThe Silver City Museum creates opportunities for residents and visitors to explore, understand, and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of southwestern New Mexico by collecting, preserving, researching and interpreting the region's unique history. The museum is nationally recognized through its accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.
Admission is free, though a suggested donation of $5 helps support the museum’s education programs, collections care and exhibitions. For more information, please contact the museum at (575) 589-0221/admin@silvercitymuseum.org, or visit the museum's website at silvercitymuseum.org. To donate or to learn of volunteer opportunities, please visit silvercitymuseumsociety.org.