Xóchitl Flores-Marcial reflects on the presence of eyes and small objects in El Árbol de la Muerte, connecting them to Mesoamerican traditions of milagros—tiny offerings representing prayers for healing. She highlights the symbolism of the evil eye, believed to cause harm from outsiders, and protection practices like ojo de venado bracelets. She suggests that the violence depicted in the piece echoes this concept: harm is inflicted not by loved ones, but by outside forces, including corporations and perpetrators beyond the community’s protective circle.