Luis Pablo: Dog with Butterfliy Wings Alebrije Woodcarving
Luis Pablo: Dog with Butterfliy Wings Alebrije Woodcarving
Fabulous skeleton dog carving by Luis Pablo, a joyful fusion of two iconic Día de los Muertos symbols: the skeleton and the monarch butterfly. The black body, painted with lively white bones, is anything but somber; it's bursting with bright flowers and green leaves, like a garden in full bloom.
Those bold orange and black wings instantly bring to mind the monarch butterfly, while the oversized eyes, pink paws, and turquoise nose are pure Luis Pablo, full of humor and personality.
This piece is a wonderful example of contemporary Día de los Muertos folk art, inspired by calavera imagery but with Luis Pablo’s own creative twist. Skeletons and painted bones are at the heart of modern Day of the Dead art, always paired with vibrant flowers, bold colors, and playful expressions.
I really like how Luis Pablo transforms the dog into a living calavera, wrapping its bones in blossoms and turning death into something bright and full of life.
The monarch wings bring a beautiful extra layer of meaning. In central Mexico, especially among the Purépecha in Michoacán, the arrival of monarch butterflies in early November is seen as the souls of the departed returning home. Monarchs have become a beloved symbol of Day of the Dead, representing return, remembrance, and the deep connection between the living and those who came before us.
This combination feels just right. Dogs have ancient roots as companions on the souls' journeys, and the butterfly is the spirit returning home. Luis Pablo weaves these ideas together in a piece that is affectionate, vibrant, and bursting with imagination—a skeleton dog ready to travel between worlds on its beautiful new wings.
