Josefina Aguilar

Josefina Aguilar is a Mexican folk artist from Ocotlán de Morelos, Oaxaca. Josefina was mentored by her mother (Isaura Alcantara Díaz) and grandmother. She began learning her craft from them when she was six years old. She is best known for her small clay figurines, called muñecas (dolls), an art form she learned from her mother Isaura Aguilar. Aguilar uses red clay to create depictions of everyday village activities, religious and folkloric scenes, famous figures and special Day of the Dead statues. Collectors of her work include Nelson Rockefeller, who discovered her work on a trip to Oaxaca in 1975 as well as repeat visitors to Oaxaca, who come to see her latest work. Children's book author Jeanette Winter has written and illustrated a counting book inspired by Aguilar's life and work.