oaxaca folk art

$77

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Surprised Monkey' - Copal Wood Alebrije Carving of Multicolored Monkey

This colorful little monkey cannot believes his eyes! This sculpture is an example of a Oaxacan alebrije, a copal wood carving, hand-painted in bright colors and intricate patterns. This image is the work of Jesus and Roxana Hernandez noted alebrije carvers whose work has won awards and media attention. The tail is removed for shipping.

Surprised Monkey Copal Wood Alebrije Carving of Multicolored Monkey

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

You caught this fellow while he was on his way to the watering hole! He is an alebrije, a animal wood carving painted in bright colors and wild designs. This rhino was created and signed by Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda of the Mexican state of Oaxaca.

$67

Cautious Amber Rhino Yellow Orange Dominant Rhinoceros Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$84 Wholesale

$84

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Wind Glider' - Blue and Red Copal Wood Pegasus Alebrije from Oaxaca

This cobalt blue winged horse figure with flame-colored accents shows that Mexican handcrafts are quite adept at taking outside influences and making them their own. It is based on the European myth of Pegasus, but the design shows Japanese influence as well. It hand carved and hand painted by Oaxacan alebrije artist Esteban Hernandez.

Wind Glider Blue and Red Copal Wood Pegasus Alebrije from Oaxaca

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

"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.

$77

Blue Pouncing Cat Blue and Turquoise Whiskered Cat Alebrije from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

This fantastical pink and yellow iguana alebrije from Oaxaca artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez seems unable to decide on a standard appearance, so it adopts several different facades. The sides look like they're covered in scales, a sky blue spine appears on the back and tail, and the legs have mottled yellow and red skin. Hand carved from copal wood, the iguana's decoration is done by hand.

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.

$49

Pink Iguana Pink and Yellow Wood Iguana Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$147 Wholesale

$147

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

"Whoooo am I?" says this little owl. He needs a name, and you can give it to him. He is an alebrije, part of a folk art tradition that carves animals from copal wood, then paints them in fantastic colors and designs. This wise little bird is created and signed by artists Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda of Oaxaca, Mexico.

$49

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)

$54

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

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

Alebrije sculpture, 'Blue Cat Greeting' - Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Wearing bright red lipstick, a whimsical blue cat lifts her tail in greeting. Zeny and Reyna transform found pieces of copal wood into a delightful alebrije. These fanciful sculptures are a traditional folk art in Oaxaca, once based on twenty totems but today representing all kinds of animals. They take their name from a Calo gypsy word for "something difficult, tangled, confusing or fantastic."

Because each alebrije is individually created work of folk art, shapes will vary slightly. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

Blue Cat Greeting Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

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.

$79

Wild Wolf Hand Painted Wood Wolf Alebrije

Claudio Ojeda

(99)

$79

Wood figurine, 'Blue Dancing Frog' - Artisan Crafted Blue Wood Frog Figurine Sculpture

Blue Dancing Frog, Artisan Crafted Blue Wood Frog Figurine Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$74

Alebrije sculpture, 'Green Hummingbird' - Green Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Green Hummingbird, Green Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$77

Alebrije sculpture, 'Purple Hummingbird' - Oaxacan Hummingbird Sculpture

Purple Hummingbird, Oaxacan Hummingbird Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$74

Alebrije sculpture, 'Playful Blue Kitten' - Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Playful Blue Kitten, Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$89

Blue Hummingbird, Blue Hummingbird Alebrije Hanging Sculpture from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$74

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$144 Wholesale

$144

Alebrije sculpture, 'Colorful Hummingbird' - Multi Color Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Colorful Hummingbird, Multi Color Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$69

Mossy Monkey, Handmade Turquoise Monkey Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$39 Wholesale

$39

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

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

Flirty Hen, Hen Alebrije Figurine

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

Dainty Deer in Orange, Hand Carved Alebrije Deer Figurine

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$74

Ocean Dolphin, Hand Painted Dolphin Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

Golden Fox, Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$59

Orange Deer, Handcrafted Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$59

Diving Dolphin, Alebrije Dolphin Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

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

Rainbow Snail, Multicolored Wood Snail Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$89

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Perky Armadillo' - Multicolored Armadillo Alebrije

Perky Armadillo, Multicolored Armadillo Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

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

Audacious Hen, Handmade Hen Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$54

Mountain Fox, Colorful Fox Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$67

Bold Deer, Hand Painted Deer Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$54

Bicycle Cat, Hand Painted Alebrije Cat Figurine

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$109 Wholesale

$109

Relaxed Cat, Cat Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

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

Manuel Cruz

(12)

$459 Wholesale

$459

Magical Rabbit, Copal Wood Rabbit Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Manuel Cruz

(12)

$109 Wholesale

$109

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

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Speak No Evil' - Wood Alebrije Carving of Multicolored Monkey from Oaxaca

Speak No Evil, Wood Alebrije Carving of Multicolored Monkey from Oaxaca

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$69

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Little Blue Deer' - Blue Copal Wood Deer Alebrije From San Martin Tilcajete

Little Blue Deer, Blue Copal Wood Deer Alebrije From San Martin Tilcajete

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$69

Crimson Cat, Red and Blue Arched Cat Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$49

Axolotl, Copal Wood Axolotl Alebrije from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$107 Wholesale

$107

Turtle Mom Taxi, Green and Blue Oaxacan Mother Turtle Alebrije with Babies

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$104 Wholesale

$104

Calling Elephant, Red Dominant Elephant Alebrije Figure Made in Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$54

Zapotec Pegasus in Purple, Wood Pegasus Inspired Alebrije in Purple and other Colors

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

$77

Fantasy Elephant, Colorful Handcrafted Trumpeting Elephant Wood Alebrije

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

$369 Wholesale

$369

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

Bold Cimarron, Hand-Carved Bighorn Sheep Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$59

Wood alebrije figurines, 'Dancing Toucans' (pair) - Handmade Bird Alebrijes (Pair)

Dancing Toucans, Handmade Bird Alebrijes (Pair)

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$79

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$84 Wholesale

$84

Insomniac Lion, Purple Sleepy Lion Alebrije Carving with Detachable Tail

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$54

Bold Coyote, Oaxacan Wood Alebrije Statuette

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

$119 Wholesale

$119

Chirping Cricket, Handcrafted Copal Wood Cricket Alebrije from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$49

Iguana Joy, Copal Wood Alebrije Lizard Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$77

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

Enchanting Snake, Snake Wood Alebrije-Style Sculpture in White Grey and Black

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

$79

Blue Tortoise, Wood Alebrije Tortoise Sculpture in Blue from Mexico

Teresita Gonzalez

(44)

$147 Wholesale

$147

Purple Quetzal, Artisan Crafted Bird Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$74

Orange Quetzal, Multicolored Wooden Bird Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$74

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$109 Wholesale

$109

Blue Axolotl, Handmade Copal Wood Axolotl Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$89

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

Winged Song, Teal Alebrije Gazelle with Multicolor Hand Painted Motifs

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$67

Turtle Love, Mexican Hand Painted Wood Sea Turtle Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$77

Wood figurine, 'Ancestral Image' - Hand Carved Wood Skull Figurine in Yellow from Mexico

Ancestral Image, Hand Carved Wood Skull Figurine in Yellow from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$99 Wholesale

$99

Stretching Cat in Green, Wood Alebrije Cat Sculpture in Green from Mexico

Silvia Julian

(14)

$59

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$59

Cricket Song, Handcrafted Copal Wood Cricket Alebrije from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$49

Turtle Friend, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Turtle Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$77

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Owl Joy' - Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Owl Figurine from Mexico

Owl Joy, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Owl Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$59

Dream Owl, Mexican Hand Decorated Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$59

Wood alebrije ornament, 'Oaxaca Bull' - Handpainted Copal Wood Alebrije Bull Sculpture

Oaxaca Bull, Handpainted Copal Wood Alebrije Bull Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$89

Ceramic statuette, 'Goddess Chalchiuhtlicue' - Collectible Aztec Ceramic Statuette Museum Replica

Goddess Chalchiuhtlicue, Collectible Aztec Ceramic Statuette Museum Replica

Angel Ceron Artisan Association

(261)

$69

Death and Folklore, Mexican Hand Painted Terracotta Hue Wooden Skull Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$54

Maya with Pot, Highly Detailed Original Ceramic Sculpture of a Maya Man

Angel Ceron Artisan Association

(261)

$69

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

Nocturnal Mirage, Mexican Hand Painted Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

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

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$87 Wholesale

$87

The Turtle and the Sea, Multicolored Hand Painted Wood Turtle Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$77

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

Zapotec Mictlantecuhtli, Handcrafted Mineral Paint Mictlantecuhtli Ceramic Sculpture

Angel Ceron Artisan Association

(261)

$117 Wholesale

$117

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$47 Wholesale

$47

Geometric Camel, Mexican Alebrije Camel Sculpture with Geometric Designs

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$49

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Fabulous Frog' - Hand-Painted Frog-Themed Wood Alebrije-Style Figurine

Fabulous Frog, Hand-Painted Frog-Themed Wood Alebrije-Style Figurine

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

$69

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Orange Owl' - Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije-Style Figurine of Owl in Orange

Orange Owl, Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije-Style Figurine of Owl in Orange

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)