Hand Carved and Painted Armadillo Alebrije, "Meditating Armadillo"
This brilliant armadillo alebrije is from Teresita Gonzalez in Mexico. The meditating armadillo is carved from copal wood and then carefully hand painted with complex patterns in cyan, russet and other colors. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.
The folk art tradition of alebrijes dates back to the 1930's in Mexico City. A man named Pedro Linares was taken ill, and in his fevered dreams he saw a strange land populated with curious creatures--a donkey with wings, a rooster with bull's horns, and a lion with the head of a dog. The beasts all ran at him, shouting "alebrije! alebrije!". Upon his recovery, Linares began recreating the fantastical creatures he had seen in his dream. The art form gained popularity, and alebrijes are now made of wood as well as papier mache.
- 0.10 kgs
- 0.2 lbs
- 11 cm H x 6 cm W x 14 cm D
- 4.3" H x 2.4" W x 5.5" D
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Customer Reviews
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HARRY
Verified Reviewer
04/12/2022
"GREAT GIFT"
BEAUTIFUL GIFT FOR BIRD LOVER
Purchased Item:
Brilliant Hummingbird, Handmade Hummingbird Wood Alebrije Sculpture
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Carol
Verified Reviewer
04/02/2022
"Excellent Art Work"
This cat figure is wonderful - the expressive art is wonderful
Best Uses
- Deco
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Jude
Verified Reviewer
03/12/2022
"Lovely piece?"
I bought this Alebrije pegasus/unicorn to replace one I lost in a move. The colors are vibrant, the attention to pattern detail is exquisite! It is well made and Ive already received many compliments on it. Very happy with this purchase.
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Robert
Verified Reviewer
02/17/2022
"Gorgeous"
Much prettier in person!
Purchased Item:
Brilliant Hummingbird, Handmade Hummingbird Wood Alebrije Sculpture
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Andrea
Verified Reviewer
01/19/2022
"Great gift!"
My daughter loved her gift. Beautifully made.
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Gift Occasion:
- This was a gift for: Daughter
- Occasion: birthday

Beautiful Collectiom
Verified Reviewer
01/11/2022
"Awesomely Beautiful"
Awesomely Beautiful This cross radiates color. The painting is precise and perfectly placed. Radiant Faith is a perfect name for this piece of art. It speaks to my heart.
Purchased Item:
Radiant Faith, Zapotec Art Inspired Hand Painted Turquoise Wood Cross
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Teresita Gonzalez Traditional handcrafted Mexican alebrijes
"...the doctor diagnosed me with cancerous sarcoma... but I'd look at my son and I knew my work in life wasn't finished. I began painting as a form of therapy."
Latest Update "My journey in Mexican handicrafts began when I started working with copal wood as a way of therapy to relieve my cancer. I struggled... read more
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