TRIBUNE PHOTO ALBUMS
Skulls of the Dead
Bolivians celebrates the Day of Skulls, a colourful tradition rooted in ancient indigenous beliefs that are meant to bring good fortune and protection by honouring the dead. Known as “ñatitas”, the skulls are decorated and paraded to the cemetery a week after All Saints Day. Some are adorned with sunglasses and cigarettes as well as colourful flowers and hats. The celebration of the skulls, which are kept indoors most of the year, is believed to have its roots in the Uru Chipaya custom of disinterring the bodies of loved ones at the one-year anniversary of their death.