A delightful piece of decor, this alebrije cricket statuette is painted in bright shades of yellow and red. Mexican artisans Pablo and Lucy Mendez handcraft the cricket from copal wood. 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.
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This cute deer is so well made. Exactly what I was looking for!
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My sister s fur baby of 12 years passed just before Día de Los Muertos last year. This gatito is in his memory.
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Verified Reviewer
Arrived promptly in as advertised condition. A beautiful work of art. Another example of unique Mexican decor to join our others by Pablo and Lucy. Two truly gifted artisans. Accolades from us and our guests are testament to their skill.
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