La Lechuza

This art doll is inspired by the Mexican legend of La Lechuza, a witch who turns into a giant owl at night and preys on humans. She whistles or mimics the cry of a baby to lure her victims, then swoops down from the sky to carry them to her nest and eat them. She is also said to prey on emotions, waiting for her victims outside their home during domestic disputes.


The Owl Witch was once a woman, whose children were killed by a drunk man. In other variations of the folktale the woman herself was murdered by villagers who accused her of practicing witchcraft. She returned from her grave and since then has been seeking revenge. Others believe she sold her soul to the devil in exchange for magic powers.

In my version of La Lechuza I aim to capture her side of the story, the woman‘s sorrow and pain beyond the surface of the scary shapeshifting witch.

The double-sided flip doll can be turned around and transformed from a woman into an owl and the other way around.

Lighting by Björn Ullrich.