oaxacan wooden animals

Alebrije sculpture, 'Purple Hummingbird' - Oaxacan Hummingbird Sculpture

Hovering on whirring wings, a whimsical hummingbird seeks out the sweet nectar of flowers. Zeny and Reyna transform found pieces of copal wood into a delightful alebrije. These fanciful sculptures are a traditional folk art in Oaxaca, once based on twenty totems but today representing all kinds of animals. They take their name from a Calo gypsy word for "something difficult, tangled, confusing or fantastic."

Because each alebrije is individually created work of folk art, shapes will vary slightly. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

Purple Hummingbird Oaxacan Hummingbird Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$103.99CAD Wholesale

$103.99CAD

Bold Coyote Oaxacan Wood Alebrije Statuette

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

In the 1930s in Oaxaca, Mexico, an artist named Pedro Linares fell ill. In his fevered dreams, he saw fantastical creatures--a lion with the head of a bird; a rooster with bull's horns. The colourful animals all rushed toward him shouting the nonsense word, "alebrije! alebrije!". Upon awakening, he felt compelled to recreate his vision, and the art form of alebrijes was born. Eugenia and Roberto Sosa uphold the artistic tradition with this excellent coyote sculpture. Carved from copal wood, the statuette is painted by hand in brilliant detail.

$165.99CAD Wholesale

$165.99CAD

Purple Coyote Hand-Painted Oaxacan Alebrije Sculpture

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

In the 1930s in Oaxaca, Mexico, an artist named Pedro Linares fell ill. In his fevered dreams, he saw fantastical creatures--a lion with the head of a bird; a rooster with bull's horns. The colourful animals all rushed toward him shouting the nonsense word, "alebrije! alebrije!". Upon awakening, he felt compelled to recreate his vision, and the art form of alebrijes was born. Eugenia and Roberto Sosa uphold the artistic tradition with this excellent coyote sculpture. Carved from copal wood, the statuette is painted by hand in brilliant detail.

$552.99CAD Wholesale

$552.99CAD

Green Chameleon Blue-Footed Green Chameleon Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Maybe this chameleon is stepping on something blue, or maybe his feet are very cold. Actually, he is an alebrije, part of a folk art tradition that carves animals from wood and paints them in bright colours and wild designs. This little guy was created and signed by artists Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda from Oaxaca, Mexico.

$200.99CAD Wholesale

$200.99CAD

Chameleon with the Blues Blue and Orange Chameleon Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

We all know that chameleons can change colour, but this might be a little extreme. Actually, the lizard is an alebrije, part of a folk art tradition that carves animals from wood and paints them in bright colours and wild designs. This little guy was created and signed by artists Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda from Oaxaca, Mexico.

$200.99CAD Wholesale

$200.99CAD

Little Mouse Perez Blue and Red Mouse Alebrije with Black Tail from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

This mouse figure is a magical alebrije, an animal wood carving painted in fantastic colours. He is named after another Mexican fantasy creature, the Ratoncito Pérez, Mexico's answer to the tooth fairy. He is created and signed by artists Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda of Oaxaca, Mexico. The tail detaches for safe shipping.

$48.99CAD Wholesale

$48.99CAD

Elephant in Green Artisan Crafted Green Wood Elephant Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood carvers in San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca, crafted animal figurines for generations before the area's alebrije tradition took hold, mostly as children's toys. It's the gorgeous way even real animals are decorated that shows how the Oaxacan artisans have truly embraced the handicraft style. This hand carved copal wood elephant from Jesus and Roxana Hernandez is hand painted in green, with elaborate geometric motifs on its legs and ears in black combined with lovely purple, pink, and blue tones.

It is said that Oaxaca's alebrije tradition descends directly from Mexico City 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 creatures 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.

"Whoooo am I?" says this little owl. He needs a name, and you can give it to him. He is an alebrije, part of a folk art tradition that carves animals from copal wood, then paints them in fantastic colours and designs. This wise little bird is created and signed by artists Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Blue Winged Owl Hand Carved Owl Alebrije with Blue Wings from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Rose Winged Owl' - Hand Carved Owl Alebrije with Rosy Wings from Oaxaca

"Why, hello!" says this adorable owl after he emerges from his package in your home. He is an alebrije, part of a folk art tradition that carves animals from copal wood, then paints them in fantastic colours and designs. This wise little bird is created and signed by artists Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Rose Winged Owl Hand Carved Owl Alebrije with Rosy Wings from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Alebrijes are often a hybrid of real animals, such as elephants and crocodiles, or they can be more fantastical creatures, such as dragons. Artisan Teresita Gonzalez of Xoxocotlan in the Mexican state of Oaxaca creates an elaborately hand carved copal wood alebrije dragonfly, or libelula. The insect is beautifully painted in bold red with accents of black, blue and yellow. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

It is said that Oaxaca's alebrije tradition descends directly from Mexico City 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.

Red Dragonfly Handmade Dragonfly Alebrije Figurine in Red from Oaxaca

Teresita Gonzalez

(43)

Combine the legendary European Pegasus with a Mexican supernatural animal tradition called naguals and you get this brightly coloured alebrij hand-painted with tiny details. This version is created in copal wood by Oaxacan alebrije artist Esteban Hernandez.

Zapotec Pegasus in Purple Wood Pegasus Inspired Alebrije in Purple and other colours

Esteban Hernández

(32)

Cautious Amber Rhino, Yellow Orange Dominant Rhinoceros Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$117.99CAD Wholesale

$117.99CAD

Mama Opossum, Mama Opossum Alebrije with Her Three Babies from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$200.99CAD Wholesale

$200.99CAD

Alebrije sculpture, 'Blue Cat Greeting' - Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Blue Cat Greeting, Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

Little Black Mouse Perez, Turquoise and Black Mouse Alebrije Figure Signed by Artisans

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$48.99CAD Wholesale

$48.99CAD

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Vivid Coyote' - Artisan Handcrafted Wood Alebrije Statuette

Vivid Coyote, Artisan Handcrafted Wood Alebrije Statuette

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

$165.99CAD Wholesale

$165.99CAD

Loco Lobo, Multicolored Wolf Alebrije Figurine Handmade in Mexico

Teresita Gonzalez

(43)

Rainbow Snail, Multicolored Wood Snail Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

Proud Rooster, Rooster Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$891.99CAD Wholesale

$891.99CAD

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Acrobatic Dragon' - Colorful Hand Carved and Painted Dragon Alebrije Figurine

Acrobatic Dragon, Colorful Hand Carved and Painted Dragon Alebrije Figurine

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$89.99CAD Wholesale

$89.99CAD

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Happy Dragon' - Hand-Painted Wood Dragon Alebrije from Mexico

Happy Dragon, Hand-Painted Wood Dragon Alebrije from Mexico

Teresita Gonzalez

(43)

$176.99CAD Wholesale

$176.99CAD

Alebrije sculpture, 'Playful Blue Kitten' - Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Playful Blue Kitten, Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$125.99CAD Wholesale

$125.99CAD

Kaleidoscopic Armadillo, Hand Carved Copal Wood Multicolored Armadillo Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Night Fantasy' - Wood Owl Sculpture with Hand Painted Star Design from Mexico

Night Fantasy, Wood Owl Sculpture with Hand Painted Star Design from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Green Tree Frog, Handmade Wood Green Frog Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

Alebrije sculpture, 'Colorful Hummingbird' - Multi Color Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Colorful Hummingbird, Multi Color Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$97.99CAD Wholesale

$97.99CAD

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Dream Vision' - Hand-Carved Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Dream Vision, Hand-Carved Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Pink Iguana, Pink and Yellow Wood Iguana Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$207.99CAD Wholesale

$207.99CAD

Magnificent Pegasus, Handcrafted Alebrije Wood Pegasus Statuette from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

$366.99CAD Wholesale

$366.99CAD

Cricket Song, Handcrafted Copal Wood Cricket Alebrije from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

Alebrije sculpture, 'Blue Hummingbird' - Blue Hummingbird Alebrije Hanging Sculpture from Mexico

Blue Hummingbird, Blue Hummingbird Alebrije Hanging Sculpture from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$104.99CAD Wholesale

$104.99CAD

Alebrije sculpture, 'Green Hummingbird' - Green Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Green Hummingbird, Green Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$108.99CAD Wholesale

$108.99CAD

The Turtle and the Sea, Multicolored Hand Painted Wood Turtle Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Chirping Cricket, Handcrafted Copal Wood Cricket Alebrije from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Nocturnal Mirage' - Mexican Hand Painted Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Nocturnal Mirage, Mexican Hand Painted Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Turtle Love, Mexican Hand Painted Wood Sea Turtle Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Grey Rhino, Copal Wood Alebrije Rhino Figurine in Grey from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

Rabbit Handstand, Hand-Carved Wood Alebrije Rabbit Sculpture from Mexico

Teresita Gonzalez

(43)

$186.99CAD Wholesale

$186.99CAD

Perky Red Parrot, Handmade Red Parrot Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

$345.99CAD Wholesale

$345.99CAD

Scales and Dreams, Mexican Handmade Copal Wood Armadillo Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Colorful Camel, Wood Alebrije Camel Figurine in Vivid Colors from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Zapotec Fish, 12-inch Hand Carved and Painted Alebrije Fish Sculpture

Manuel Cruz

(12)

$635.99CAD Wholesale

$635.99CAD

Wood bookmark, 'Reading Cat' - Teal and Pink Cat-Themed Copal Wood Bookmark from Mexico

Reading Cat, Teal and Pink Cat-Themed Copal Wood Bookmark from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

$24.99CAD Wholesale

$24.99CAD

Geometric Camel, Mexican Alebrije Camel Sculpture with Geometric Designs

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Turtle Friend, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Turtle Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wild Wolf, Hand Painted Wood Wolf Alebrije

Claudio Ojeda

(97)

$110.99CAD Wholesale

$110.99CAD

Iguana Joy, Copal Wood Alebrije Lizard Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Howling Coyote' - Multicolored Alebrije Coyote Figurine with Geometric Motifs

Coming back

Howling Coyote, Multicolored Alebrije Coyote Figurine with Geometric Motifs

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Swordfish Mystery' - Wood Alebrije Swordfish Figurine from Mexico

Swordfish Mystery, Wood Alebrije Swordfish Figurine from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

Dainty Deer in Grey, Handcrafted Grey Deer Alebrije Sculpture

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Black Fox' - Wood Alebrije Fox Figurine in Black from Mexico

Black Fox, Wood Alebrije Fox Figurine in Black from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$121.99CAD Wholesale

$121.99CAD

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Owl Joy' - Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Owl Figurine from Mexico

Owl Joy, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Owl Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Hummingbird Song, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Bird Ornament

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Coyote Delight, Handcrafted Copal Wood Coyote Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Coyote Charm' - Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Coyote Figurine

Coyote Charm, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Coyote Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$80.99CAD Wholesale

$80.99CAD

Armadillo Delight, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Armadillo Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Owl Delight' - Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Owl Figurine from Mexico

Owl Delight, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Owl Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Alert Anteater, Oaxacan Anteater Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$131.99CAD Wholesale

$131.99CAD

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'colourful Squirrel' - Handcrafted Oaxacan Wood Alebrije

colourful Squirrel, Handcrafted Oaxacan Wood Alebrije

Esteban Hernández

(32)

$234.99CAD Wholesale

$234.99CAD

Red Coyote, Handmade Oaxacan Wood Alebrije

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Standing Jaguar, Artisan Crafted Oaxacan Alebrije

Esteban Hernández

(32)

$234.99CAD Wholesale

$234.99CAD

Dream Owl, Mexican Hand Decorated Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Rainbow Pegasus, Oaxacan Folk Art Pegasus Alebrije

Esteban Hernández

(32)

Speak No Evil, Wood Alebrije Carving of Multicoloured Monkey from Oaxaca

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Monkey in Chaos' - Wood Monkey Alebrije Figure Hiding His Eyes From Oaxaca

Monkey in Chaos, Wood Monkey Alebrije Figure Hiding His Eyes From Oaxaca

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Alebrije sculpture, 'Oaxaca Snail' - Handcrafted Mexican Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Oaxaca Snail, Handcrafted Mexican Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$131.99CAD Wholesale

$131.99CAD

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Turtle Mom Taxi' - Green and Blue Oaxacan Mother Turtle Alebrije with Babies

Turtle Mom Taxi, Green and Blue Oaxacan Mother Turtle Alebrije with Babies

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Oaxaca Dragon, Dragon Inspired Copal Wood Alebrije from Oaxaca Mexico

Esteban Hernández

(32)

$103.99CAD Wholesale

$103.99CAD

Orange Oaxaca Frog, Red Orange Alebrije Style Frog Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$80.99CAD Wholesale

$80.99CAD

Blue Oaxaca Frog, Alebrije Style Frog Figurine Wood Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$80.99CAD Wholesale

$80.99CAD

Yellow Hare, Hand-Painted Alebrije Figurine from Oaxaca

Esteban Hernández

(32)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Zapotec Coyote, Mexico Alebrije Wild Dog Sculpture Oaxaca Folk Art

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

Mossy Monkey, Handmade Turquoise Monkey Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$55.99CAD Wholesale

$55.99CAD

Vibrant Hummingbird, Hummingbird Alebrije Home Accent Hand Crafted in Oaxaca

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Oaxaca Bull, Handpainted Copal Wood Alebrije Bull Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

Blue Pouncing Cat, Blue and Turquoise Whiskered Cat Alebrije from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$55.99CAD Wholesale

$55.99CAD

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Running Grace' - Wood Deer Alebrije From San Martin Tilcajete Oaxaca

Running Grace, Wood Deer Alebrije From San Martin Tilcajete Oaxaca

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

$103.99CAD Wholesale

$103.99CAD

Hummingbird Visits a Cactus, Hummingbird and Barrel Cactus Wood Sculpture From Oaxaca

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

$131.99CAD Wholesale

$131.99CAD

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Oviform Owl in Black and White' - Signed Black and White Owl Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Oviform Owl in Black and White, Signed Black and White Owl Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'My Domain' - Copal Wood Oaxaca Alebrije Cat in Multiple Bright colours

My Domain, Copal Wood Oaxaca Alebrije Cat in Multiple Bright colours

Esteban Hernández

(32)

Wind Glider, Blue and Red Copal Wood Pegasus Alebrije from Oaxaca

Esteban Hernández

(32)

$96.99CAD Wholesale

$96.99CAD

Surprised Monkey, Copal Wood Alebrije Carving of Multicoloured Monkey

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Celestial Cat, Blue and Teal Alebrije Cat with Star-Like Patterns on Body

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)