This simple art project can be used with students of any age as the start of a discussion about the Mexican tradition of Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Students will design and decorate the image of a skull in rememberance of someone who has passed away, taking part in the time honored traditions of this Mexican national holiday.

This example of a Day of the Dead art project, made by a student at the Escuela de la Ciudad de Cuernavaca, in Morelos, Mexico, was the inspiration for this activity.

Read more about how TIDES is giving student employees the opportunity to gain skills and experience related to their current studies and future careers.

This project can be downloaded in one of two file types:

• diaDeLosMuertosSkullActivity.pdf

• diaDeLosMuertosSkullActivity.doc

Find more information about the Day of the Dead:

• Lesson Plans
• Day of the Dead (Grades 9-12)
• Ofrendas (Grades 9-12)
• Help TIDES by submitting a lesson plan! Get involved here.
• Pictures
• Student-Decorated Skulls
• Decorated skulls in the Tyler Museum of Art
• Dia de los Muertos Images
• Search the TIDES Database for "Mexico"
• Videos
  • See some cool Ofrendas in Mexico
  • Explore student Ofrenda projects
  • Watch part of the famous Ballet Folklorico
• Explore
  • More Day of the Dead craft ideas
  • The history of Dia de los Muertos
  • Create an ofrenda for your skull with TIDES
  • Day of the Dead with Cultural Crossroads