Wood Alebrije Swordfish Figurine from Mexico, "Swordfish Mystery"
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Carved of copal wood, this delightful figurine from Mexico depicts a swordfish. Mexican duo Zeny and Reyna design this "mystery of nature" in the traditional style of alebrije handicrafts. The swordfish features a vibrant, hand-painted finish.
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.
- 36 grams
- 1.27 oz
- 8 cm L x 13.5 cm W x 4.6 cm H
- 3.1" L x 5.3" W x 1.8" H
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Customer Reviews
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Dralene
Verified Reviewer
07/12/2021
"Such a fun piece of artwork"
Love my colorful swordfish, the artwork is so detailed and colorful - a true treasure and always makes me smile
Purchased Item:
Swordfish Mystery, Wood Alebrije Swordfish Figurine from Mexico
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Dorothy
Verified Reviewer
03/31/2024
"Wonderful piece artfully done,"
The “Cat of the Moon and Water” is a stand out work of art.
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Kathy
Verified Reviewer
01/12/2024
"love alebrije!"
adorable little dragon with excellent, beautifully executed painting
Purchased Item:
Dramatic Dragon, Fuchsia Alebrije Dragon with Multicolor Hand Painted Motifs
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Deb
Verified Reviewer
11/05/2023
"Tiny little gem!"
This tiny little guy is so cute I felt he needed a buddy, so I ordered another in a different color! Such amazing detail work - thank-you!
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Shelley
Verified Reviewer
09/07/2023
"Talented red cat with ball."
This red cat shares her joy at playing with her ball. She is a lot of fun. Thanks!
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Shelley
Verified Reviewer
09/07/2023
"Happy cat loves sitting on my shelf and making me feel cheerful."
This pink spotted cat is a relaxed and wonderful addition to my cat collection.
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Your Purchase Makes a Difference!
"When she told us this we felt a great sense of satisfaction, we had no idea how much we could help someone – a child – through our art."
"Hola! We're Zeny Fuentes and Reyna Piña. We're from a small town in Oaxaca," says Zeny by way of introduction. "We both come from... read more