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Product ID: 312668

Colorful Hand Carved and Painted Dragon Alebrije Figurine, "Acrobatic Dragon"

Husband and wife duo Zeny and Reyna from Oaxaca grew up with the tradition of... more

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Husband and wife duo Zeny and Reyna from Oaxaca grew up with the tradition of carving alebrijes (fantastical figurines of real and imagined animals); both of their parents were master carvers in that region's traditional folk art. Here they create a wildly colorful dragon in a contorted, acrobatic pose. The dragon is carved by hand from copal wood and painted in a rainbow of psychedelic colors.

Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

It is said that Oaxaca's alebrije tradition descends directly from Mexico City 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.

  • 20 grams
  • 0.71 oz
  • 10 cm H x 14 cm W x 9.5 cm D
  • 3.9" H x 5.5" W x 3.7" D

  • Copal wood
  • Some assembly required
  • Signed by the artist
  • Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
  • Warning: Choking Hazard. Small parts -- not for children under 3 years.
  • Made in Mexico.
  • Certified and shipped by our office in Mexicoicon info
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Preserving Traditions

Preserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Microcredit Financing

Microcredit Financing

Zeny and Reyna has received 2 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $1200 and the most recent for $2500.

Caring for Children

Caring for Children

This artist supports children under the age of 18.

 
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