FUNNY BONES: POSADA AND HIS DAY OF

Funny Bones tells the story of how the amusing calaveras-skeletons performing va
rious everyday or festive activities-came to be. They are the creation of Mexica
n artist Jos‚ Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852-1913). In a country that was not kno
wn for freedom of speech, he first drew political cartoons, much to the amusemen
t of the local population but not the politicians. He continued to draw cartoons
throughout much of his life, but he is best known today for his calavera drawin
gs. They have become synonymous with Mexico's Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dea
d) festival. Juxtaposing his own art with that of Lupe's, author Duncan Tonatiuh
brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man whose art is beloved by m
any but whose name has remained in obscurity.