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Product ID: 312669

Multicolored Wood Snail Alebrije Figurine from Mexico, "Rainbow Snail"

Husband and wife duo Zeny and Reyna from Oaxaca grew up with the tradition of... more

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Details

Husband and wife duo Zeny and Reyna from Oaxaca grew up with the tradition of carving alebrijes (fantastical figurines of real and imagined animals); both of their parents were master carvers in that region's traditional folk art. Here they create a wonderfully colorful snail in great detail. The snail is carved by hand from copal wood and painted in a wide array of meticulous patterns.

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.

  • 0.12 kgs
  • 0.3 lbs
  • 9.8 cm H x 15.5 cm W x 9 cm D
  • 3.9" H x 6" W x 3.5" D

  • Copal wood
  • Signed by the artist
  • Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
  • Warning: Choking Hazard. Small parts -- not for children under 3 years.
  • Made in Mexico.
  • Certified and shipped by our office in Mexicoicon info
Gift Info

Customer Reviews

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Artist rating

Total reviews

327

Pat

Verified Reviewer

10/11/2021

"Beautiful"

Well-made and vibrant

Best Uses

  • Decor

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Therese

Verified Reviewer

05/06/2021

"Splendid!"

This snail is so lovely in person. The colors are rich and alive!

Best Uses

  • Enjoyment

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Nanette

Verified Reviewer

04/23/2021

"Cute but too large"

Love the detail, just a lot larger than I expected, kind of out of proportion.

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Raymond

Verified Reviewer

09/23/2018

"display item"

very well done

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Judy

From OH

Verified Reviewer

06/18/2018

"Wow! The Rainbow Snail is amazing!"

Thank you Zeny and Reyna for another spectacular piece! The details are amazing. I will eventually use this with children as a visual to go with the book Snail Girl (a Navajo story). It has been so much fun to add to my Oaxacan alebrije collection with treasures from Novica.

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Kathy

Verified Reviewer

01/12/2024

"love alebrije!"

adorable little dragon with excellent, beautifully executed painting

Purchased Item:

Dramatic Dragon, Fuchsia Alebrije Dragon with Multicolor Hand Painted Motifs

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Deb

From Michigan

Verified Reviewer

11/05/2023

"Tiny little gem!"

This tiny little guy is so cute I felt he needed a buddy, so I ordered another in a different color! Such amazing detail work - thank-you!

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Shelley

Verified Reviewer

09/07/2023

"Talented red cat with ball."

This red cat shares her joy at playing with her ball. She is a lot of fun. Thanks!

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Shelley

Verified Reviewer

09/07/2023

"Happy cat loves sitting on my shelf and making me feel cheerful."

This pink spotted cat is a relaxed and wonderful addition to my cat collection.

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Judy

From OH

Verified Reviewer

07/19/2023

"Wow! Such amazing detials!"

I knew as soon as I saw this treasure I had to buy it! -- Painted with the wisdom of turtles (just one symbolism for turtles). Now they also have available a blue bull with fish! So tempting! The painting details and carving of the bull are just incredible. Perfection! I am always in awe when I receive these pieces from Zeny and Reyna. So happy to see that more of their artworks are available here on Novica.

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Marc

Verified Reviewer

04/29/2023

"Excellent Quality & Fair Price"

The piece I received was modestly different than the picture on the Novica. This is to be expected since each piece is cfrafted individually. Fine workmanship. I would definitely buy from these artists again.

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Your Purchase Makes a Difference!

Preserving Traditions

Preserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Microcredit Financing

Microcredit Financing

Zeny and Reyna has received 2 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $1200 and the most recent for $2500.

Caring for Children

Caring for Children

This artist supports children under the age of 18.

 
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