Hand-Carved Wood Alebrije Hyena Sculpture from Mexico, "Green Hyena"
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In tones of green, burgundy, and purple, intricate motifs inspired by the pre-Hispanic Nahua peoples are painted by hand onto a majestic hyena. Mexican artisan Teresita Gonzalez creates this traditional alebrije sculpture, which is carved from copal wood.
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.
- 93 grams
- 0.2 lbs
- 14.8 cm H x 12.6 cm W x 6.7 cm D
- 5.75" H x 5" W x 2.6" D
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Customer Reviews
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Robin
Verified Reviewer
10/23/2022
"Personality personified"
This is such a unique piece! A hyena to love! It looks like it is getting ready to jump into action! Lovely colors, well thought out and painted. I am happy I got this.
Purchased Item:
Green Hyena, Hand-Carved Wood Alebrije Hyena Sculpture from Mexico
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Gift Occasion:
- This was a gift for: Myself
- Occasion: birthday
Karen
Verified Reviewer
02/01/2024
"Beautiful quality"
These are beautifully made wooden hearts, wonderful for gifts
Purchased Item:
Hearts Take Wing, Wooden Winged Hearts Holiday Ornaments (Set of 4)
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Lucinda Rachel
Verified Reviewer
11/17/2023
"Love this Dillo!"
I am pleased to add this happy Armadillo to my collection. The colors are vibrant and it is well made. I would purchase from this artist again.
Purchased Item:
Festive Armadillo, Hand-Painted Wood Armadillo Alebrije Figurine from Mexico
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Shelley
Verified Reviewer
09/07/2023
"I feel well protected."
The dragon is fierce and friendly and happy and extremely colourful. Thanks for the fine work.
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Jeannine
Verified Reviewer
04/03/2023
"Second Purchase!"
This is the second Long-Eared Rabbit I purchased from Teresita Gonzalez. The craftsmanship is outstanding, so well made and the colors are vibrant and bright! So cheery, thank you very much again for sharing your talent!
Purchased Item:
Long-Eared Rabbit, Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Rabbit Sculpture from Mexico
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Jeannine
Verified Reviewer
04/03/2023
"Adorable!"
This wood Big-Eared Rabbit is just adorable! So well made and painted with such care, I love it!! It brings such a smile to the face! I actually bought a second one and they look wonderful together! Thank you Teresita Gonzalez for sharing your talent!
Purchased Item:
Big-Eared Rabbit, Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Rabbit Sculpture from Mexico
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"...the doctor diagnosed me with cancerous sarcoma... but I'd look at my son and I knew my work in life wasn't finished. I began painting as a form of therapy."
Latest Update"My journey in Mexican handicrafts began when I started working with copal wood as a way of therapy to relieve my cancer. I... read more