mexican folk art animals

Hand-painted with intricate motifs in grey and silver tones, this fascinating rhino figurine is crafted by Mexican duo Zeny and Reyna. They work in the time-honored tradition of alebrije handicrafts, hand-carving the animal from copal wood. 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.

Grey Rhino Copal Wood Alebrije Rhino Figurine in Grey from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Escorpion Rustico Recycled Scrap Metal Sculpture from Mexico

Armando Ramirez

(654)

This sci-fi take on one of the desert's fiercest inhabitants will make for a very cool desk partner or an excellent conversation piece nestled amongst your shelves. Armando Ramirez hand-crafts it by putting together pieces of scrap metal and automobile parts. Sheet metal scraps, a timing chain, spark plugs, springs, washers, screws, and wire all find a new life in this unique sculpture. The artisan does not give his sculptures a fine polished finish, therefore smudges and scratches may be present.

Armando Ramirez has turned his childhood pastime of crafting toys into an art form that has allowed him to exploit his ingenuity and his creativity. He uses scrap metal from auto shops and bicycles to create sculptures, decor pieces, and even chess sets. The popularity of his creations has enabled Armando to start a workshop and dedicate himself full-time to his artistic pursuits.

Artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association replicate a ceramic vessel of a playful xoloitzcuintli pup, dated sometime between 200 - 600 A.D. It was originally found in a tumba de tiro burial place, so-called because it features interconnecting traits from diverse pre-Hispanic cultures from the Mexican states of Jalisco, Nayarit and Colima. They believed the xoloitzcuintli transported the souls of the dead to the underworld. Officially certified by the Mexican government to replicate pre-Hispanic art, the artisans craft the ceramic sculpture with faithful details.

Playful Xoloitzcuintli Ceramic sculpture

Angel Ceron Artisan Association

(257)

Artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association crafts an amazing replica of a xoloitzcuintli ceramic vessel, dated sometime between 200 - 600 A.D., and originally found in a so-called tumba de tiro burial place. This type of burial place features interconnecting traits from diverse pre-Hispanic cultures from the Mexican states of Jalisco, Nayarit and Colima. They believed the xoloitzcuintli transported the souls of the dead to the underworld. Officially certified by the Mexican government to replicate pre-Hispanic art, the artisans craft the ceramic sculpture with faithful details.

Xoloitzcuintli Companion Ceramic sculpture

Angel Ceron Artisan Association

(257)

Adorned with cheerful artistry, this purple and pink snail makes its way from the magical lands of Oaxaca. "The snail symbolizes life that starts and ends in a spiral," believe Zeny and Reyna. After carving the copal wood alebrije, they use the tip of a maguey leaf to paint the florid patterns.

Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

Oaxaca Snail Handcrafted Mexican Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99

Zapotec Coyote Mexico Alebrije Wild Dog Sculpture Oaxaca Folk Art

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

"All the different motifs we included to decorate this nighttime coyote are inspired by Zapotec glyphs related to the sun, water and life," Zeny and Reyna explain. They use the tip of a maguey leaf to paint the patterns on this admirable hand-carved copal wood alebrije.

This purple cat is happy because spring has arrived, and the alebrije reflects the colorful feast of flowers," explain Zeny and Reyna. They use the tip of a maguey leaf to paint the patterns on this admirable hand-carved copal wood sculpture.

Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

Magical Cat Hand Crafted Purple Wood Kittycat Folk Art Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

Copal wood alebrije, 'Magic Buffalo' - Copal Wood Buffalo Alebrije from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez recreate this buffalo in colorful alebrije form. They hand-carve it from copal wood and decorate its body with joyful geometric patterns in a palette of turquoise, teal green, pastel pink, orange, and lavender purple.

The artisan couple comes from a Zapotec community in Oaxaca known for its alebrijes. Jesus takes care of the carving part while Roxana works her magic creating the colorful patterns that decorate their designs.

Magic Buffalo Copal Wood Buffalo Alebrije from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

A rotund fish with big eyes swims sinuously in cool rivers. Colorful motifs from Zapotec art and ancient temples cover the body and fins. By Manuel Cruz, this is a beautiful example of Mexico's alebrije art. The image is carved by hand of copal wood in the style of Oaxaca and meticulously painted by hand with tiny brushes. The finer details are created using a maguey thorn instead of a brush.

The alebrije tradition originated with Mexico City artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he became ill and fell into a coma. While he was unconscious, he dreamed he was caught between the land of the living and the dead, a place populated with creatures whose body parts belonged to different animals. The beings repeatedly cried, "Alebrije!" When he was well, Linares recreated these fanciful figures in papier mache. His work became famous and inspired artisans in the state of Oaxaca, who began crafting alebrijes of wood.

The wood branch dictates the final form, thus size and shapes can vary slightly. Thus, each alebrije is an authentic work of Mexican folk art.

Zapotec Fish 12-inch Hand Carved and Painted Alebrije Fish Sculpture

Manuel Cruz

(12)

$459.99 Wholesale

$459.99

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.

Colorful Butterfly, Unique Butterfly Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Marina Lozano

(12)

Frog of Abundance, Hand Crafted Papier Mache Frog Alebrije

Marina Lozano

(12)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99

Colorful Bird, Bird-Like Papier Mache Alebrije Sculpture

Marina Lozano

(12)

Horse of the Sea, Hand Painted Seahorse Alebrije Sculpture

Marina Lozano

(12)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99

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

Turquoise Cat, Modern Turquoise Cat Alebrije Sculpture

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

Sophisticated Cat, Black Alebrije Cat Silver and Purple Hand Painted Motifs

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Kaleidoscopic Armadillo' - Hand Carved Copal Wood Multicolored Armadillo Alebrije

Kaleidoscopic Armadillo, Hand Carved Copal Wood Multicolored Armadillo Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Lithe Tree Frog' - Wood Alebrije Tree Frog Sculpture from Mexico

Lithe Tree Frog, Wood Alebrije Tree Frog Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Crazy Monkey' - Handmade Animal Alebrije Figurine

Crazy Monkey, Handmade Animal Alebrije Figurine

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99

Cautious Amber Rhino, Yellow Orange Dominant Rhinoceros Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99

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

Coyote Delight, Handcrafted Copal Wood Coyote Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Howling Coyote, Multicolored Alebrije Coyote Figurine with Geometric Motifs

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Tlane Burro, Mexican Folk Art Terracotta Candelabra

Magdaleno Fierro

(6)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99

Midnight Olmeca, Handmade Ceramic Mexican Folk Art Mask

Eufrosia Pantaleon

(146)

Coatepec Pelican, Unique Folk Art Painting Signed Mexico Fine Art

Francisco, Patricia and Gilberto

(1)

$37.49 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $37.49

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

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Carnival Olmeca, Handmade Mexican Folk Art Ceramic Wall Mask

Eufrosia Pantaleon

(146)

My Elephant Friend, Artisan Crafted Wood Orange Elephant Figurine from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$384.99 Wholesale

$384.99

Alebrije sculpture, 'Rainbow Iguana' - Hand Crafted Mexican Folk Art Yellow Lizard Sculpture

Rainbow Iguana, Hand Crafted Mexican Folk Art Yellow Lizard Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$144.99 Wholesale

$144.99

Maya Birdman from Palenque, Maya Archaeology Replica Palenque Birdman Ceramic Sculpture

Angel Ceron Artisan Association

(257)

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

Blue Winged Owl, Hand Carved Owl Alebrije with Blue Wings from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Proud Rooster, Rooster Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$644.99 Wholesale

$644.99

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

Coming back

Porcupine Spirit, Copal Wood Porcupine Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$299.99 Wholesale

$299.99

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99

Rainbow Pegasus, Oaxacan Folk Art Pegasus Alebrije

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

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

Blue Cat Greeting, Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

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)

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

Coming back

Crouching Cat, Copal Wood Crouching Cat Alebrije from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$314.99 Wholesale

$314.99

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

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Tissue paper garlands, 'Piñatas' (set of 3) - Mexican Folk Art Papel Picado Paper Garlands (Set of 3)

Piñatas, Mexican Folk Art Papel Picado Paper Garlands (Set of 3)

Isabel Rodriguez

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Acrobatic Dragon' - Colorful Hand Carved and Painted Dragon Alebrije Figurine

Acrobatic Dragon, Colorful Hand Carved and Painted Dragon Alebrije Figurine

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

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

Green Hummingbird, Green Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

Wood sculpture, 'Excited Cat in Teal' - Copal Wood Alebrije Cat Sculpture in Teal from Mexico

Excited Cat in Teal, Copal Wood Alebrije Cat Sculpture in Teal from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99

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

Playful Blue Kitten, Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

Copal wood alebrije, 'Cute Porcupine in Red' - Copal Wood Alebrije Porcupine Sculpture in Red and Blue

Cute Porcupine in Red, Copal Wood Alebrije Porcupine Sculpture in Red and Blue

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99

My Curious Giraffe, Wood Giraffe Figurine Sculpture Artisan Crafted in Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99

Azure Pegasus, Copal Wood Pegasus Alebrije from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

$264.99 Wholesale

$264.99

Mexico Valley Butterfly, Ink on Paper Giclée Print of Traditional Butterfly Stamp

Rommy

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Iguana Joy, Copal Wood Alebrije Lizard Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Jalisco Lion, Papier Mache and Huichol Glass Bead Lion From Guadalajara

Miguel Díaz

(6)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

Sweet Freedom in Green, Handcrafted Green Copal Wood Dragonfly Sculpture.from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

Turtle Friend, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Turtle Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Fantasy Elephant, Colorful Handcrafted Trumpeting Elephant Wood Alebrije

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

$369.99 Wholesale

$369.99

Onyx sculpture, 'Charging Toro' - Black Onyx Carved Bull Sculpture From Mexican Stone

Coming back

Charging Toro, Black Onyx Carved Bull Sculpture From Mexican Stone

Sierra Family

(115)

$187.99 Wholesale

$187.99

Emperor Penguin, Multicolored Hand Painted Penguin Figurine

Manuel Delfino

(31)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Fauna Sun Mandala, Amate Paper Wall Art with Colorful Otomi Embroidered Horse

Edgar Trejo

(1)

$253.49 Wholesale

~~$337.99~~ $253.49

Night Fantasy, Wood Owl Sculpture with Hand Painted Star Design from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Grey Deer' - Handcrafted Alebrije Deer Sculpture in Grey from Mexico

Grey Deer, Handcrafted Alebrije Deer Sculpture in Grey from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$169.99 Wholesale

$169.99

Such Big Eyes For a Pigeon IV, Traditional Animal-Themed Wood Block Print in Blue

R. Fabricio

Such Big Eyes For a Pigeon III, Traditional Animal-Themed Wood Block Print in Orange

R. Fabricio

Such Big Eyes For a Pigeon II, Traditional Animal-Themed Wood Block Print in Pink

R. Fabricio

Such Big Eyes For a Pigeon I, Traditional Animal-Themed Wood Block Print in Green

R. Fabricio

'Colorful Tiger' (2020) - Acrylic Pop Art Painting of Tiger in Mexican Alebrije Style

Colorful Tiger, Acrylic Pop Art Painting of Tiger in Mexican Alebrije Style

Morneo

(7)

$1677.99 Wholesale

$1677.99

Red Jaguar, Ceramic Glass-Beaded Huichol Jaguar Head From Guadalajara

Miguel Díaz

(6)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Enchanting Armadillo, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Armadillo Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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)

Embroidery with Birds, Original Aquatint Print from Mexico

Alejandro Camacho

Old Mexico, Decorative Decoupage Wood Box

Ana Maria Gonzalez

(270)

Axolotl, Copal Wood Axolotl Alebrije from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$67.99 Wholesale

~~$79.99~~ $67.99

Dream Owl, Mexican Hand Decorated Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Ceramic sculpture, 'Splendid Dove' - Hand Crafted Ceramic Dove Sculpture from Mexico

Splendid Dove, Hand Crafted Ceramic Dove Sculpture from Mexico

Eufrosia Pantaleon

(146)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99

Sweet Freedom in Pink, Handcrafted Pink Copal Wood Dragonfly Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

Yellow Monkey, Small Yellow Monkey Figurine in Pinewood

Manuel Delfino

(31)

$23.99 Wholesale

$23.99

Tapatio Elephant, Gray Marble Abstract Elephant Sculpture Jalisco Mexico

Sierra Family

(115)

$189.99 Wholesale

$189.99

Perky Red Parrot, Handmade Red Parrot Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

$249.99 Wholesale

$249.99

Marble sculptures, 'Penguin Parade' (set of 3) - Three Petite Mexican Black and White Marble Penguin Figures

Penguin Parade, Three Petite Mexican Black and White Marble Penguin Figures

Sierra Family

(115)

Ceramic ring holder, 'Cloud Crossing Cat' - Handcrafted Blue and Ivory Striped Ceramic Cat Ring Holder