The Catrina Chalchiuhtlicue

This large-scale papier mache sculpture representing Latino popular culture (“Catrina”) in the Northfield Public Library. Catrina’s clothing symbolizes that of Chalchiuhtlicue, a protective goddess of the domestic water. The water that brings us life and makes the land, feeds us with the sweet of their fruits: a heart of love.

This sculpture, conceived of and created by Gustavo Boada with the help of community members, aims to connect Northfield’s Latino community with their ancestors while also serving as a reminder of water as a legacy and source of life for new generations.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund and residents of the City of Northfield through the Percent for the Arts Initiative.