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Product ID: 313323

Mexican Hand Painted Wood Sea Turtle Alebrije Figurine, "Turtle Love"

As alebrijes swim through the subconscious of the artisan's imagination, it... more

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Details

As alebrijes swim through the subconscious of the artisan's imagination, it seems fitting that they have flippers as this multicolored hand carved sea turtle does. Made using copal wood, this alebrije figurine by artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez of Oaxaca, Mexico, has a shell in glorious shades of green, purple, lavender, and brown; the creative geometric designs are patiently painted by hand. Pink flippers and a blue head complete the marine tortoise.

It is said that Oaxaca's alebrije tradition descends directly from Mexico City papier mache artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he became seriously ill and fell into a sort of coma. While he was unconscious, he had a most fantastic dream. He was caught between the land of the living and the dead; the place looked like a forest and was populated with creatures with body parts belonging to different animals. The beings repeatedly uttered the word alebrije, and when Linares woke up, he recreated these figures in vivid colors using papier mache techniques and called them alebrijes. His work became famous and eventually influenced artisans in the state of Oaxaca who decided to craft alebrijes using traditional wood carving methods and according to that region's world vision.

  • 80 grams
  • 0.2 lbs
  • 4.5 cm H x 14.5 cm W x 15.5 cm D
  • 1.8" H x 5.75" W x 6" D

  • Copal wood
  • Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
  • Signed by the artist
  • Made in Mexico.
  • Certified and shipped by our office in Mexicoicon info
Gift Info

Customer Reviews

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Artist rating

Total reviews

98

Beau

Verified Reviewer

03/21/2024

"Yet ANOTHER Great Sculpture"

Now have a dozen in house or gifts sculpted by Jesus and Roxanne. Easily my favorite alebreje artists. Have all the coyotes and monkeys so a domestic dog is a great change!

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Kaori

Verified Reviewer

08/14/2023

"Wonderful"

It was a very delicate and wonderful work with detailed details.

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Bert

Verified Reviewer

06/26/2023

"Love it!"

Great looking alebrije with beautiful colors!A++++++++++++++++++++++++

Purchased Item:

Little Burro, Hand Painted Burro Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

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Rose

From Austin, TX, USA

Verified Reviewer

05/31/2023

"Colors Just Pop!,Colors Just Pop!"

I love goats and this one is perfect! The colors are vibrant and the carving is fantastic. I love it!,I love goats and this one is perfect! The colors are vibrant and the carving is fantastic. I love it!

Best Uses

  • Decor,Decor

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Beau

Verified Reviewer

05/29/2023

"EVERY Sculpture is the BEST"

EVERY sculpture from Jesus and Roxana is THE BEST --- have well over a dozen!

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Beau

Verified Reviewer

05/29/2023

"Another GREAT Sculpture"

My VERY favorite alebrije artists..and yet another great different one.Still waiing for a coatimundi!

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NOVICA Recognized Master

Your Purchase Makes a Difference!

Preserving Traditions

Preserving Traditions

Roxana has flourished by continuing to use traditional techniques in her alebrije art and continues to pass down her craft to her grandchildren, as her elders had passed down to her.

Enabling Education

Enabling Education

They financially support all four of their children through school so that they may have better opportunities in their future careers.

Job Creator

Job Creator

Roxana has been able to build her workshop over the years and now gives work to other artisans in her community.

Caring for Children

Caring for Children

Jesus and Roxana are both incredibly dedicated parents and financially support their four children together.

Young Talent

Young Talent

This artist shows a lot of talent or potential and is in their late teens or twenties.

 
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