oaxaca wood carving

This brightly colored hen is the work of Mexican artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez, who preserve the distinctly Oaxacan folk art form of alebrijes. The figurine is carved by hand from copal wood before being carefully painted with a dizzying array of colorful motifs.

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.

Flirty Hen Hen Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Golden Fox' - Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije

This beautiful alebrije figurine is from Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda in Mexico. They carve the sculpture by hand from copal wood, painting it in careful detail. Alebrijes are a traditional Oaxacan folk art, typically crafted from papier mache or wood.

Golden Fox Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

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

Artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez of Mexico handcraft this charming coyote alebrije figurine. Painted in colorful shades such as turquoise and chartreuse, 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 Delight Handcrafted Copal Wood Coyote Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

This wide-eyed peacock alebrije hand carved from copal wood is a berry color with hand painted details across his feathers. His body is adorned with lime green dots and his tail feathers alternate green and silver accents. This alebrije is handcrafted by artisans Zeny and Reyna of Mexico.

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

Fairest Feathers Berry Alebrije Peacock with Multicolor Hand Painted Motifs

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Bright Monkey' - Small Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Sculpture

This charming monkey figurine is a great example of the Oaxacan folk art known as alebrijes. Esteban Hernandez in Mexico carves the small sculpture from copal wood and paints it by hand in colorful detail.

Bright Monkey Small Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Sculpture

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99

Wood alebrije ornament, 'Winged Turquoise Heart' - Alebrije Winged Heart Copal Wood Ornament from Mexico

Add a unique touch to your holiday ornament collection with this detailed alebrije heart by husband and wife duo Jesus and Roxana. They hand-carve it from copal wood and hand-paint it with joyful geometric designs in turquoise, cyan blue, and purple.

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez 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 them.

Winged Turquoise Heart Alebrije Winged Heart Copal Wood Ornament from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Wild Wolf Hand Painted Wood Wolf Alebrije

Claudio Ojeda

(97)

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.

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Fish Fun Multicolored Alebrije Figurine

Cesar Matias

(2)

Designed and crafted in the workshop of Mexico's Cesar Matias, this charming fish figurine is hand-carved from copal wood. It is then carefully painted by hand in the tradition of Oaxacan alebrije folk art.

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Celestial Cat' - Blue and Teal Alebrije Cat with Star-Like Patterns on Body

Whatever it is, this cat is ready to confront it! This fantastically colored animal figure is an alebrije, a sculpture style made famous in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. He is signed by creators Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda. The tail detaches for safe shipping.

Celestial Cat Blue and Teal Alebrije Cat with Star-Like Patterns on Body

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Blue Tortoise' - Wood Alebrije Tortoise Sculpture in Blue from Mexico

By Mexican artisan Teresita Gonzalez, this charming alebrije tortoise offers guidance to those in the spirit world. The sculpture is carved of cedar wood, painted by hand with intricate designs to feature a blue color.

Blue Tortoise Wood Alebrije Tortoise Sculpture in Blue from Mexico

Teresita Gonzalez

(43)

$144.99 Wholesale

$144.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Dainty Deer in Orange' - Hand Carved Alebrije Deer Figurine

Dainty Deer in Orange, Hand Carved Alebrije Deer Figurine

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99

Magical Rabbit, Copal Wood Rabbit Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Manuel Cruz

(12)

$109.99 Wholesale

$109.99

Wind Glider, Blue and Red Copal Wood Pegasus Alebrije from Oaxaca

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Colorful Bunny' - Multicolored Rabbit Alebrije Sculpture

Colorful Bunny, Multicolored Rabbit Alebrije Sculpture

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Little Mouse Perez, Blue and Red Mouse Alebrije with Black Tail from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99

My Domain, Copal Wood Oaxaca Alebrije Cat in Multiple Bright Colors

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

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

Coyote Charm, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Coyote Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Turquoise Cat' - Modern Turquoise Cat Alebrije Sculpture

Turquoise Cat, Modern Turquoise Cat Alebrije Sculpture

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Festive Cat' - Multicolored Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine from Mexico

Walking Festive Cat, Multicolored Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

Oaxaca Snail, Handcrafted Mexican Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Howling Coyote' - Multicolored Alebrije Coyote Figurine with Geometric Motifs

Howling Coyote, Multicolored Alebrije Coyote Figurine with Geometric Motifs

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Zapotec Bunny' - Hand-Painted Rabbit Alebrije Figurine

Zapotec Bunny, Hand-Painted Rabbit Alebrije Figurine

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Dream Owl, Mexican Hand Decorated Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$144.99 Wholesale

$144.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Zapotec Pegasus' - Hand Painted Wood Flying Horse Alebrije in Teal and Purple

Zapotec Pegasus, Hand Painted Wood Flying Horse Alebrije in Teal and Purple

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

Calling Elephant, Red Dominant Elephant Alebrije Figure Made in Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

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

(78)

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

(12)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Rose Winged Owl' - Hand Carved Owl Alebrije with Rosy Wings from Oaxaca

Rose Winged Owl, Hand Carved Owl Alebrije with Rosy Wings from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Perky Red Parrot, Handmade Red Parrot Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

$249.99 Wholesale

$249.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'My Domain in Gold' - Blue and Gold Copal Wood Cat Alebrije from Oaxaca

My Domain in Gold, Blue and Gold Copal Wood Cat Alebrije from Oaxaca

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

Mossy Monkey, Handmade Turquoise Monkey Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Cautious Amber Rhino, Yellow Orange Dominant Rhinoceros Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Rainbow Pegasus' - Oaxacan Folk Art Pegasus Alebrije

Rainbow Pegasus, Oaxacan Folk Art Pegasus Alebrije

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

Purple Pouncing Cat, Purple Crouching Cat Alebrije Figure with Henequen Whiskers

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

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

Ocean Dolphin, Hand Painted Dolphin Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Bold Coyote, Oaxacan Wood Alebrije Statuette

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99

Mythical Pegasus, Hand Painted Pegasus Alebrije Sculpture

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

Wood alebrije, 'Crouching Cat' - Copal Wood Crouching Cat Alebrije from Mexico

Crouching Cat, Copal Wood Crouching Cat Alebrije from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$314.99 Wholesale

$314.99

Swordfish Mystery, Wood Alebrije Swordfish Figurine from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

Blue Iguana, Hand Crafted Folk Art Iguana Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Bold Deer, Hand Painted Deer Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Bicycle Cat, Hand Painted Alebrije Cat Figurine

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$109.99 Wholesale

$109.99

Sierra Coyote, Hand Painted Coyote Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Oviform Owl in Black and White, Signed Black and White Owl Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Blue Oaxaca Frog, Alebrije Style Frog Figurine Wood Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

Wood sculpture, 'Hummingbird Visits a Cactus' - Hummingbird and Barrel Cactus Wood Sculpture From Oaxaca

Hummingbird Visits a Cactus, Hummingbird and Barrel Cactus Wood Sculpture From Oaxaca

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Ocotlan Chameleon - Hand-Painted Alebrije Chameleon

Ocotlan Chameleon, Hand-Painted Alebrije Chameleon

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$569.99 Wholesale

$569.99

Mountain Fox, Colorful Fox Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Armadillo Fiesta' - Multicolored Wood Armadillo Alebrije Sculpture

Armadillo Fiesta, Multicolored Wood Armadillo Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99

Oaxacan Heart in Green, Hand-Painted Winged Heart Wall Accent

Cesar Matias

(2)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Fierce Rhinoceros, Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije ornaments, 'Walking Fish' (set of 4) - Hand Painted Fish Alebrije Ornaments (Set of 4)

Walking Fish, Hand Painted Fish Alebrije Ornaments (Set of 4)

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Perky Armadillo, Multicolored Armadillo Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Blue Cat Greeting, Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99

Diving Dolphin, Alebrije Dolphin Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Sly Siamese, Hand-Painted Cat Alebrije

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$459.99 Wholesale

$459.99

Ocotlan Owl, Multicolored Owl Alebrije

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$549.99 Wholesale

$549.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Porcupine Spirit' - Copal Wood Porcupine Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Porcupine Spirit, Copal Wood Porcupine Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$299.99 Wholesale

$299.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Sunset Bull' - Multicolored Wood Bull Alebrije

Sunset Bull, Multicolored Wood Bull Alebrije

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$549.99 Wholesale

$549.99

Orange Oaxaca Frog, Red Orange Alebrije Style Frog Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

Audacious Hen, Handmade Hen Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Red Coyote, Handmade Oaxacan Wood Alebrije

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Oaxaca Blues, Hand Painted Alebrije-Style Phone Holder

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Rhino on the Move, Rhinoceros Sculpture Hand Carved from Raintree Wood

Amporn

(74)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Cosmic Cat, Handmade Cat Alebrije

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$549.99 Wholesale

$549.99

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

Green Hummingbird, Green Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

Relaxed Cat, Cat Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Sun Force, Orange Alebrije Bull with Multicolor Hand Painted Motifs

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99

Grey Rhino, Copal Wood Alebrije Rhino Figurine in Grey from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

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

Playful Blue Kitten, Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99

Oaxacan Oval, Oaxaca Barro Negro Oval Ceramic Pencil Holder

Anakarem

(66)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99

Alebrije sculpture, 'Blue Hummingbird' - Blue Hummingbird Alebrije Hanging Sculpture from Mexico

Blue Hummingbird, Blue Hummingbird Alebrije Hanging Sculpture from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99

Wood alebrije, 'Oaxaca Dragon' - Dragon Inspired Copal Wood Alebrije from Oaxaca Mexico

Oaxaca Dragon, Dragon Inspired Copal Wood Alebrije from Oaxaca Mexico

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99

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

Surprised Monkey, Copal Wood Alebrije Carving of Multicolored Monkey

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Little Black Mouse Perez' - Turquoise and Black Mouse Alebrije Figure Signed by Artisans

Little Black Mouse Perez, Turquoise and Black Mouse Alebrije Figure Signed by Artisans

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99

Chirping Cricket, Handcrafted Copal Wood Cricket Alebrije from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

Red Dragonfly, Handmade Dragonfly Alebrije Figurine in Red from Oaxaca

Teresita Gonzalez

(43)

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

(332)