wooden owl

Looking every bit the product of a fever dream that alebrijes are, this outlandishly-decorated owl sculpture is crafted by hand from copal wood by Mexican artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez. "Mastering the art of alebrijes requires practice, discipline and much love," says Jesus. "Roxana is expert at decorating the sculptures and her delicate hands convey beauty, from fine geometric patterns to flowers. Her designs are unique and elegantly detailed."

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.

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.

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.

Vibrant pigments dance across sustainably-harvested copal wood in this remarkable alebrije-style owl figurine where ancient Oaxacan artistry meets modern ecological consciousness. The sculpture's surface blooms with traditional patterns meticulously hand-painted by artisans Eugenia and Roberto Sosa, whose commitment to preserving copal trees ensures only fallen branches become these magnificent works of art. Each decorative element carries deep cultural significance, transforming raw wood into a powerful symbol of Mexican artistic legacy.

Intricate designs inspired by traditional Zapotec grecas or spirals flourish across this magnificent alebrije-style owl sculpture, where traditional hand-painting techniques transform eco-conscious copal wood into a masterpiece of folk art. The vibrant colors and sacred motifs in artisans Eugenia and Roberto Sosa’s eye-catching figurine create a visual symphony that honors centuries of cultural tradition while their sustainable branch-harvesting practices protect the copal trees for future artistic generations. This extraordinary piece captures the essence of authentic Mexican artistry through responsible craftsmanship.