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Mexican Handmade Copal Wood Armadillo Alebrije Figurine, "Scales and Dreams"

Product ID: 313328

From the Mexican state of Oaxaca comes a hand painted armadillo alebrije who swaps some of its scales for colorful dots and rhombuses. Presented by... more

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From the Mexican state of Oaxaca comes a hand painted armadillo alebrije who swaps some of its scales for colorful dots and rhombuses. Presented by Jesus and Roxana Hernandez of San Martín Tilcajete, the hand carved copal wood figurine is moss green and scaly except for two middle sections of its back; these feature triangles and small and large dots in pink, green, blue, and red. The removable tail is hand painted as well in purple, green, yellow, and blue. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

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.

  • 40 grams
  • 1.41 oz
  • 5 cm H x 4 cm W x 16.5 cm D
  • 2" H x 1.6" W x 6.5" D

  • Copal wood
  • Hand-crafted item -- colour, size and/or motif may vary slightly
  • Signed by the artist
  • Warning: Choking Hazard. Small parts -- not for children under 3 years.
  • Made in Mexico
  • Certified and shipped by our office in Mexicoicon info
  • Product ID: 313328
  • Price includes VAT.
  • We will also cover duty and any import fees for items shipped from outside the United Kingdom.
Jesus and Roxana Hernandez
Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

Mexico

Artisan handcrafted Mexican alebrije sculptures

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Customer Reviews

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Artist rating

Total reviews

102

Nancy

Verified Reviewer

Sep 07, 2024

Colorful and fun!”

This little guy adds joy to my shelf!

Purchased Item Brilliant Armadillo, Handmade Folk Art Armadillo Alebrije Sculpture

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Leslie

Verified Reviewer

Aug 28, 2024

Beautiful, bigger than I expected”

This is a lovely hummer; the tail pieces are individual but the wings are thankfully already glued together. Very charming.

Purchased Item Fanciful Flutter in Purple, Copal Wood Purple Colorful Alebrije Hummingbird Ornament

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MK

From Louisville, Kentucky

Verified Reviewer

Aug 26, 2024

Beautiful ornament”

Beautiful wooden ornament. My wife was very happy with the addition to our tree

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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.

Customer & Stylist Suggestions

Meet the Artist
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