mexican carved animals

This little monkey just knows he will make a great gift, even if the receiver is the buyer! He is an alebrije, part of a folk art tradition that carves animals and paints them in bright colors and wild designs. This one is crafted by Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda of Oaxaca, Mexico.

"Look what I caught!" this cat seems to say. The playful feline is sculpted from copal wood, the classic for alebrije figures which are famous in the Central Valleys of the Mexican state of Oaxaca. This kitty with bristling natural fiber whiskers is the work of Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda, noted carvers in the region.

This stunning deer-shaped alebrije figurine crafted from copal wood encapsulates the mesmerizing beauty of Mexican folk art with its sheer majesty. Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez carve and paint by hand this splendid decorative accent adorned with pretty motifs in a serene palette of turquoise hues.

In the heart of Mexico’s artistic tradition, a mesmerizing wooden alebrije figurine takes shape. Carved by hand with meticulous precision from copal wood, this exquisite porcupine figurine features quills cleverly crafted from toothpicks, lending an imaginative charm to the alluring design. Hand-painted in a vibrant turquoise hue, the figurine radiates a captivating energy further accentuated by the tangerine and blue accents adorning its quills. With Zeny and Reyna's artistic mastery as its guiding force, this one-of-a-kind decorative accessory becomes a testament to the beauty and creativity of Mexican artisans.

This figurine that beckons your attention with its glorious look embodies the enchanting allure of traditional Mexican folk art. Fashioned in the shape of an adorable sheep, this fabulous decorative accent is carved by hand from copal wood and painted by hand in a palette of turquoise and brown hues by artisans Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez, experts in the classic alebrije art.

This charming alebrije sculpture is the original creation of Mexico's Pablo and Lucy Mendez. The perky chihuahua is carved by hand from copal wood before being painted in meticulous detail. Suns, stars, spirals and fretwork in blue, violets and turquoise shades cover the sculpture.

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.