mexican carved wood animals

A swirling star design atop its head distinguishes this hand-painted alebrije owl from Oaxacan artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez. "We're an artisan family and we strive to improve our skills day by day....So we take on the challenge of creating innovative designs," states Jesus. The whimsical figurine is carved by hand from copal wood.

The alebrije tradition started with Mexico City papier mache artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he fell into a coma due to serious illness. While he was unconscious, he dreamed 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. Upon recovering, Linares recreated these figures in bright colors using papier mache techniques and called them alebrijes. His work became famous and was one of the main influences of artisans in the state of Oaxaca who began crafting alebrijes of their own using traditional wood carving methods.

$79

Night Fantasy Wood Owl Sculpture with Hand Painted Star Design from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$59

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Nocturnal Mirage' - Mexican Hand Painted Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Following in the footsteps of their ancestors, Jesus and Roxana Hernandez of Oaxaca design and craft this intriguing owl alebrije sculpture from copal wood. "In our village, most of the men and women are wood-carvers and we specialize in Mexico's traditional alebrije sculptures. These are colorful and fanciful figures carved from natural branches that depict all kinds of...imaginary creatures," Jesus explains.

The alebrije tradition started with Mexico City papier mache artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he fell into a coma due to serious illness. While he was unconscious, he dreamed 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. Upon recovering, Linares recreated these figures in bright colors using papier mache techniques and called them alebrijes. His work became famous and was one of the main influences of artisans in the state of Oaxaca who began crafting alebrijes of their own using traditional wood carving methods.

Nocturnal Mirage Mexican Hand Painted Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

Wood alebrije statuette, 'Winged Song' - Teal Alebrije Gazelle with Multicolor Hand Painted Motifs

This graceful winged gazelle alebrije hand carved from copal wood is a beautiful teal blue with hand painted detailed circle and dot motifs in purple and green across his body. This alebrije is handcrafted by artisans Zeny and Reyna of Mexico. The gazelle's small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

Each alebrije is unique, as the artist works with the individual shape of each specific copal branch to determine the final design.

Winged Song Teal Alebrije Gazelle with Multicolor Hand Painted Motifs

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$67 Wholesale

$67

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Running Grace' - Wood Deer Alebrije From San Martin Tilcajete Oaxaca

Pablo and Lucy Mendez are part of the Oaxaca wood alebrije tradition, which economically sustains the rural town of San Martin Tilcajete in the Central Valleys of this Mexican state. This version depicts a deer with sleek appendages and semi-natural coloring. The ears, antlers and tail detach to allow for shipping without breakage.

Running Grace Wood Deer Alebrije From San Martin Tilcajete Oaxaca

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$74

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Coyote Charm' - Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Coyote Figurine

Artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez of Mexico handcraft this charming coyote alebrije figurine. Painted in colorful shades such as cerulean and light olive, the copal wood coyote takes a howling pose. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

The alebrije tradition started with Mexico City papier mache artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he fell into a coma due to serious illness. While he was unconscious, he dreamed 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. Upon recovering, Linares recreated these figures in bright colors using papier mache techniques and called them alebrijes. His work became famous and was one of the main influences of artisans in the state of Oaxaca who began crafting alebrijes of their own using traditional wood carving methods.

Coyote Charm Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Coyote Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

This wonderful alebrije figurine is the original creation of Mexico's Claudio Ojeda. The Oaxacan artisan carves the howling wolf by hand from cedar wood, and then paints it by hand with colorful motifs. His tail is removed during shipping for safety.

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. The same style of painting can also be found on other (non-animal) items.

$54

Wild Wolf Hand Painted Wood Wolf Alebrije

Claudio Ojeda

(99)

A rotund fish with big eyes swims sinuously in cool rivers. Colorful motifs from Zapotec art and ancient temples cover the body and fins. By Manuel Cruz, this is a beautiful example of Mexico's alebrije art. The image is carved by hand of copal wood in the style of Oaxaca and meticulously painted by hand with tiny brushes. The finer details are created using a maguey thorn instead of a brush.

The alebrije tradition originated with Mexico City artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he became ill and fell into a coma. While he was unconscious, he dreamed he was caught between the land of the living and the dead, a place populated with creatures whose body parts belonged to different animals. The beings repeatedly cried, "Alebrije!" When he was well, Linares recreated these fanciful figures in papier mache. His work became famous and inspired artisans in the state of Oaxaca, who began crafting alebrijes of wood.

The wood branch dictates the final form, thus size and shapes can vary slightly. Thus, each alebrije is an authentic work of Mexican folk art.

$79

Zapotec Fish 12-inch Hand Carved and Painted Alebrije Fish Sculpture

Manuel Cruz

(12)

$459 Wholesale

$459

Alebrije sculpture, 'Oaxaca Snail' - Handcrafted Mexican Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Adorned with cheerful artistry, this purple and pink snail makes its way from the magical lands of Oaxaca. "The snail symbolizes life that starts and ends in a spiral," believe Zeny and Reyna. After carving the copal wood alebrije, they use the tip of a maguey leaf to paint the florid patterns.

Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

Oaxaca Snail Handcrafted Mexican Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$94 Wholesale

$94

Axolotl Copal Wood Axolotl Alebrije from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Jesus and Roxana recreate the axolotl, one of Mexico's rarest and most iconic creatures, in colorful alebrije form. They hand-carve it from copal wood and decorate its body with joyful geometric patterns in a palette of saffron yellow, dark green, bright red, and purple. The axolotl's gills are detached for safe and easy transport.

Jesus and Roxana come from a Zapotec community in Oaxaca where a large number of the residents work crafting alebrijes. Jesus takes care of the carving part while Roxana works her magic creating the colorful patterns that decorate the pieces.

$107 Wholesale

$107

Mexican Hairless Dog in Jade Blue Copal Wood Mexican Hairless Dog Alebrije from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Bring home this colorful alebrije rendition of a xolo - short for xoloesquintle - Mexico's iconic hairless dog. Jesus and Roxana Hernandez hand-carve it from copal wood and decorate its body with joyful geometric patterns in a palette of turquoise blue, lime green, teal blue, grey, and bluish-purple. The tail is removable for shipping.

The artisan couple comes from a Zapotec community in Oaxaca known for its alebrijes. Jesus takes care of the carving part while Roxana works her magic creating the colorful patterns that decorate their designs.

$109

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Ocean Dolphin' - Hand Painted Dolphin Alebrije

This excellent small dolphin sculpture is the original creation of Oaxacan artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez. They work in the folk art style of alebrijes to carve the figurine from copal wood and paint it meticulously by hand.

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 the nonsense word,"alebrije! alebrije!". Upon his recovery, Linares began recreating the fantastical creatures he had seen in his dream in papier mache. The art form gained popularity, and alebrijes are now made of wood as well as papier mache.

Ocean Dolphin Hand Painted Dolphin Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

Dream Owl, Mexican Hand Decorated Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$59

Wood alebrije statuette, 'Rainbow Snail' - Multicolored Wood Snail Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Rainbow Snail, Multicolored Wood Snail Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$89 Wholesale

$89

Alebrije sculpture, 'Rainbow Iguana' - Hand Crafted Mexican Folk Art Yellow Lizard Sculpture

Rainbow Iguana, Hand Crafted Mexican Folk Art Yellow Lizard Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$144 Wholesale

$144

Colorful Peacock, Hand-Painted Alebrije Wood Peacock Sculpture from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Icon of Guatemala, Hand-Painted Wooden Figurine of Guatemalan Quetzal Bird

Manuel Delfino

(32)

$25 Wholesale

$25

Mythic Bull, Hand-Carved Wood Alebrije Bull Sculpture from Mexico

Teresita Gonzalez

(44)

$127 Wholesale

$127

Nocturnal Cat, Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$87 Wholesale

$87

Wood sculpture, 'Cute Porcupine in Green' - Copal Wood and Maguey Mexican Porcupine Sculpture in Green

Cute Porcupine in Green, Copal Wood and Maguey Mexican Porcupine Sculpture in Green

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$37 Wholesale

$37

Blue Winged Owl, Hand Carved Owl Alebrije with Blue Wings from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$49

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Happy Emperor Penguins' (pair) - Black and White Penguin Alebrije Figures from Oaxaca (Pair)

Happy Emperor Penguins, Black and White Penguin Alebrije Figures from Oaxaca (Pair)

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$97 Wholesale

$97

Dainty Deer in Orange, Hand Carved Alebrije Deer Figurine

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$74

Cautious Black and White Rhino, Black and White Rhinoceros Alebrije Wood Carving from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$84 Wholesale

$84

Iguana Joy, Copal Wood Alebrije Lizard Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$77

Bold Coyote, Oaxacan Wood Alebrije Statuette

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

$119

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Perky Blue Parrot' - Handmade Blue Parrot Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Perky Blue Parrot, Handmade Blue Parrot Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$267 Wholesale

$267

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Dainty Deer in Grey' - Handcrafted Grey Deer Alebrije Sculpture

Dainty Deer in Grey, Handcrafted Grey Deer Alebrije Sculpture

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$77

Magical Rabbit, Copal Wood Rabbit Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Manuel Cruz

(12)

$109

Mossy Monkey, Handmade Turquoise Monkey Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Wood alebrije ornaments, 'Sweet Ducks' (set of 5) - Painted Wood Alebrije Duck Ornaments (Set of 5) from Mexico

Sweet Ducks, Painted Wood Alebrije Duck Ornaments (Set of 5) from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

Chameleon with the Blues, Blue and Orange Chameleon Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$144 Wholesale

$144

Fierce Jaguar, Handmade Wooden Alebrije Statuette

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$89 Wholesale

$89

Pink Iguana, Pink and Yellow Wood Iguana Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$147 Wholesale

$147

Relaxed Cat, Cat Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

Blue Tortoise, Wood Alebrije Tortoise Sculpture in Blue from Mexico

Teresita Gonzalez

(44)

$147 Wholesale

$147

Mountain Fox, Colorful Fox Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$67 Wholesale

$67

Perky Armadillo, Multicolored Armadillo Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Mythical Pegasus' - Hand Painted Pegasus Alebrije Sculpture

Mythical Pegasus, Hand Painted Pegasus Alebrije Sculpture

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

$77

Bicycle Cat, Hand Painted Alebrije Cat Figurine

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$109

Golden Fox, Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$59

Colorful Camel, Wood Alebrije Camel Figurine in Vivid Colors from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$47 Wholesale

$47

Lotus Axolotl, Colorful Axolotl Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Teresita Gonzalez

(44)

$109

Reading Hummingbird, Handmade Floral Bird-Themed Copal Wood Bookmark from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$17 Wholesale

$17

Alebrije sculpture, 'Golden Cricket' - Cricket Copal Alebrije Wood Sculpture from Mexico

Golden Cricket, Cricket Copal Alebrije Wood Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$49

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Bold Cimarron' - Hand-Carved Bighorn Sheep Alebrije

Bold Cimarron, Hand-Carved Bighorn Sheep Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$59

Smiling Deer, Handmade Deer Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$54

Blue Pouncing Cat, Blue and Turquoise Whiskered Cat Alebrije from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$49

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Audacious Hen' - Handmade Hen Alebrije Sculpture

Audacious Hen, Handmade Hen Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$54

Spirited Coyote, Wood Alebrije Coyote Figurine Hand-Painted in Mexico

Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez

(12)

$117 Wholesale

$117

Delightful Giraffe, Hand-Painted Mexican Wood Alebrije Giraffe Figurine

Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez

(12)

$104 Wholesale

$104

Wood alebrije ornaments, 'Sweet Puppies' (set of 5) - Painted Wood Alebrije Dog Ornaments (Set of 5) from Mexico

Sweet Puppies, Painted Wood Alebrije Dog Ornaments (Set of 5) from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

Wood alebrije ornaments, 'Sweet Penguins' (set of 5) - Wood Alebrije Penguin Ornaments (Set of 5) from Mexico

Sweet Penguins, Wood Alebrije Penguin Ornaments (Set of 5) from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$39 Wholesale

$39

Geometric Camel, Mexican Alebrije Camel Sculpture with Geometric Designs

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

Wood alebrije ornaments, 'Sweet Chickens' (set of 5) - Wood Alebrije Chicken Ornaments (Set of 5) from Mexico

Sweet Chickens, Wood Alebrije Chicken Ornaments (Set of 5) from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$47 Wholesale

$47

Playful Pig, Colorful Wood Alebrije Pig Figurine Hand-Painted in Mexico

Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez

(12)

$99

Orange Deer, Handcrafted Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$59

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Red Dragonfly' - Handmade Dragonfly Alebrije Figurine in Red from Oaxaca

Red Dragonfly, Handmade Dragonfly Alebrije Figurine in Red from Oaxaca

Teresita Gonzalez

(44)

$67 Wholesale

$67

Wood alebrije ornaments, 'Sweet Whales' (set of 5) - Painted Wood Alebrije Whale Ornaments (Set of 5) from Mexico

Sweet Whales, Painted Wood Alebrije Whale Ornaments (Set of 5) from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

Cheerful Giraffe, Wood Alebrije Giraffe Figurine Hand-Painted in Mexico

Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez

(12)

$119

Turtle Love, Mexican Hand Painted Wood Sea Turtle Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$77

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Excited Monkey' - Wood Monkey Alebrije Figurine Carved and Painted by Hand

Excited Monkey, Wood Monkey Alebrije Figurine Carved and Painted by Hand

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$79

Charming Deer, Wood Alebrije Deer Figurine Painted by Hand in Mexico

Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez

(12)

$99

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Scales and Dreams' - Mexican Handmade Copal Wood Armadillo Alebrije Figurine

Scales and Dreams, Mexican Handmade Copal Wood Armadillo Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

Magical Hare, Colorful Wood Alebrije Hare Figurine Hand-Painted in Mexico

Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez

(12)

$104 Wholesale

$104

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Flirty Hen' - Hen Alebrije Figurine

Flirty Hen, Hen Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

Curious Cat in Green, Wood Cat Alebrije Figurine in Green Hand-Painted in Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$59

Bold Deer, Hand Painted Deer Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$54

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Multicolored Dog' - Colorful Wood Alebrije Dog Figurine Hand-Painted in Mexico

Multicolored Dog, Colorful Wood Alebrije Dog Figurine Hand-Painted in Mexico

Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez

(12)

$119

Imposing Quetzalcoatl, Wood Quetzalcoatl Serpent Figurine Hand-Painted in Mexico

Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez

(12)

$119

Charming Donkey, Hand-Carved and Hand-Painted Wood Donkey Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$69 Wholesale

$69

Splendid Donkey, Wood Donkey Alebrije Figurine Carved and Painted by Hand

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$69 Wholesale

$69

Enchanting Sheep, Wood Alebrije Sheep Figurine Hand-Painted in Mexico

Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez

(12)

$99

Colorful Axolotl, Wood Alebrije Axolotl Figurine Hand-Painted in Mexico

Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez

(12)

$117 Wholesale

$117

Formidable Bull, Wood Alebrije Bull Figurine Hand-Painted in Mexico

Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez

(12)

$99

Mother Opossum, Handmade Wood Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$154 Wholesale

$154

Duck of the Dead, Bamboo and Teak Wood Duck Sculpture of Day of the Dead

Ira S.

(12)

$79

Imposing Rooster, Wood Rooster Alebrije Figurine Carved and Painted by Hand

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$74

Curious Cat in Teal, Wood Cat Alebrije Figurine in Teal Hand-Painted in Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$59

Shimmering Fish, Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Fish Figurine from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$59

Lovely Hare, Colorful Mexican Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Hare Figurine

Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez

(12)

$99

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Striking Rooster' - Hand-Carved & Hand Painted Wood Rooster Alebrije Figurine

Striking Rooster, Hand-Carved & Hand Painted Wood Rooster Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$74

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Cute Porcupine in Strawberry' - Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Porcupine Figurine in Red

Cute Porcupine in Strawberry, Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Porcupine Figurine in Red

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$29 Wholesale

$29

Curious Cat in Purple, Wood Cat Alebrije Figurine in Purple Hand-Painted in Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)