oaxaca carved animals

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Blue Goat' - Artisan Crafted Goat Alebrije

Preserving the Oaxacan folk art tradition of alebrijes, Mexican artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez create this marvelous small sculpture. The goat figurine is carved by hand from copal wood and painted with myriad motifs in a rainbow of colors.

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 the nonsense word,"alebrije! alebrije!". Upon his recovery, Linares began recreating the fantastical creatures he had seen in his dream in papier mache. The art form gained popularity, and alebrijes are now made of wood as well as papier mache.

Blue Goat Artisan Crafted Goat Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Long considered a mysterious creature, an owl is made more so by its fantastical design in this terrific example of the Mexican alebrije tradition from Oaxacan artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez. A multitude of hand-painted designs in vivid shades cover the body and tufted head of this figurine, carved by hand from copal wood. The artisan pair are helping guide future generations of wood carvers. Says Jesus, "We have four children, who bring us much joy...We want them to learn our art and to preserve and spread it....We are teaching them our craft and also teach our cousins, nieces and nephews."

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.

Nocturnal Mystery Handmade Owl with Ear Tufts Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

This graceful winged gazelle alebrije hand carved from copal wood is a beautiful teal blue with hand painted detailed circle and dot motifs in purple and green across his body. This alebrije is handcrafted by artisans Zeny and Reyna of Mexico. The gazelle's small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

Each alebrije is unique, as the artist works with the individual shape of each specific copal branch to determine the final design.

Winged Song Teal Alebrije Gazelle with Multicolor Hand Painted Motifs

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Little Blue Deer' - Blue Copal Wood Deer Alebrije From San Martin Tilcajete

Staring curiously, but ready to spring at the slightest sound, this blue deer alebrije is by Pablo and Lucy Mendez, from the famous alebrije town of San Martin Tilcajete in Oaxaca. This figure is carved from copal wood, native to the area, and painted brightly as is typical for the town. The ears, antlers and tail detach for storage and shipping.

Little Blue Deer Blue Copal Wood Deer Alebrije From San Martin Tilcajete

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

Jesus and Roxana recreate the axolotl, one of Mexico's rarest and most iconic creatures, in colorful alebrije form. They hand-carve it from copal wood and decorate its body with joyful geometric patterns in a palette of saffron yellow, dark green, bright red, and purple. The axolotl's gills are detached for safe and easy transport.

Jesus and Roxana come from a Zapotec community in Oaxaca where a large number of the residents work crafting alebrijes. Jesus takes care of the carving part while Roxana works her magic creating the colorful patterns that decorate the pieces.

Axolotl Copal Wood Axolotl Alebrije from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$109.99 Wholesale

$109.99

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

Artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez of Mexico handcraft this charming coyote alebrije figurine. Painted in colorful shades such as cerulean and light olive, the copal wood coyote takes a howling pose. 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.

Coyote Charm Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Coyote Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

Ocean Dolphin Hand Painted Dolphin Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

This excellent small dolphin sculpture is the original creation of Oaxacan artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez. They work in the folk art style of alebrijes to carve the figurine from copal wood and paint it meticulously by hand.

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 the nonsense word,"alebrije! alebrije!". Upon his recovery, Linares began recreating the fantastical creatures he had seen in his dream in papier mache. The art form gained popularity, and alebrijes are now made of wood as well as papier mache.

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Speak No Evil' - Wood Alebrije Carving of Multicolored Monkey from Oaxaca

I don't know what this monkey is thinking, but I bet his mother taught him to be discreet. This sculpture is an example of a Oaxacan alebrije, a copal wood carving hand-painted in various bright colors and intricate patterns. This monkey is the work of Jesus and Roxana Hernandez, noted alebrije carvers whose work has won awards and media attention. The slender tail is removed for shipping.

Speak No Evil Wood Alebrije Carving of Multicolored Monkey from Oaxaca

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Running Grace' - Wood Deer Alebrije From San Martin Tilcajete Oaxaca

Pablo and Lucy Mendez are part of the Oaxaca wood alebrije tradition, which economically sustains the rural town of San Martin Tilcajete in the Central Valleys of this Mexican state. This version depicts a deer with sleek appendages and semi-natural coloring. The ears, antlers and tail detach to allow for shipping without breakage.

Running Grace Wood Deer Alebrije From San Martin Tilcajete Oaxaca

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Owl Delight' - Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Owl Figurine from Mexico

Painted in shades such as turquoise, russet, and pastel pink, this charming owl figurine is sure to brighten up any room with its happy design. Artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez handcraft the owl from copal wood, decorating it with the detailed motifs that give alebrijes their distinctive appearance.

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.

Owl Delight Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Owl Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Sun Force' - Orange Alebrije Bull with Multicolor Hand Painted Motifs

This strong bull alebrije hand carved from copal wood has the fire of the sun hand painted across his back. Orange and brown, the bull is covered with hand painted details in warm colors. This alebrije is handcrafted by artisans Zeny and Reyna of Mexico. The bull's small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

Each alebrije is unique, as the artist works with the individual shape of each specific copal branch to determine the final design.

Sun Force Orange Alebrije Bull with Multicolor Hand Painted Motifs

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99

Alebrije sculpture, 'Oaxaca Snail' - Handcrafted Mexican Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Oaxaca Snail, Handcrafted Mexican Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99

Dream Owl, Mexican Hand Decorated Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Kaleidoscopic Armadillo, Hand Carved Copal Wood Multicolored Armadillo Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Black Fox' - Wood Alebrije Fox Figurine in Black from Mexico

Black Fox, Wood Alebrije Fox Figurine in Black from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

(334)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Nocturnal Mirage' - Mexican Hand Painted Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Nocturnal Mirage, Mexican Hand Painted Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Nocturnal Cat, Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Happy Emperor Penguins' (pair) - Black and White Penguin Alebrije Figures from Oaxaca (Pair)

Happy Emperor Penguins, Black and White Penguin Alebrije Figures from Oaxaca (Pair)

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99

Cautious Black and White Rhino, Black and White Rhinoceros Alebrije Wood Carving from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$87.99 Wholesale

$87.99

Mossy Monkey, Handmade Turquoise Monkey Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Frosty Owl' - Blue Tipped White and Black Owl Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Frosty Owl, Blue Tipped White and Black Owl Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$87.99 Wholesale

$87.99

Chameleon with the Blues, Blue and Orange Chameleon Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99

Perky Red Parrot, Handmade Red Parrot Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$289.99 Wholesale

$289.99

Bold Coyote, Oaxacan Wood Alebrije Statuette

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99

Perky Green Parrot, Handmade Green Parrot Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$289.99 Wholesale

$289.99

Dainty Deer in Orange, Hand Carved Alebrije Deer Figurine

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

Dainty Deer in Grey, Handcrafted Grey Deer Alebrije Sculpture

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

Wood alebrije statuette, 'Rainbow Snail' - Multicolored Wood Snail Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Rainbow Snail, Multicolored Wood Snail Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Perky Blue Parrot' - Handmade Blue Parrot Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Perky Blue Parrot, Handmade Blue Parrot Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$277.99 Wholesale

$277.99

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99

Red Dragonfly, Handmade Dragonfly Alebrije Figurine in Red from Oaxaca

Teresita Gonzalez

(44)

Magical Rabbit, Copal Wood Rabbit Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Manuel Cruz

(12)

$117.99 Wholesale

$117.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Monkey in Chaos' - Wood Monkey Alebrije Figure Hiding His Eyes From Oaxaca

Monkey in Chaos, Wood Monkey Alebrije Figure Hiding His Eyes From Oaxaca

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Green Tree Frog, Handmade Wood Green Frog Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Wild Wolf, Hand Painted Wood Wolf Alebrije

Claudio Ojeda

(99)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Mythical Pegasus' - Hand Painted Pegasus Alebrije Sculpture

Mythical Pegasus, Hand Painted Pegasus Alebrije Sculpture

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Surprised Monkey' - Copal Wood Alebrije Carving of Multicolored Monkey

Surprised Monkey, Copal Wood Alebrije Carving of Multicolored Monkey

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Turtle Love, Mexican Hand Painted Wood Sea Turtle Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Manuel Cruz

(12)

$477.99 Wholesale

$477.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Flirty Hen' - Hen Alebrije Figurine

Flirty Hen, Hen Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije ornaments, 'Walking Fish' (set of 4) - Hand Painted Fish Alebrije Ornaments (Set of 4)

Walking Fish, Hand Painted Fish Alebrije Ornaments (Set of 4)

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

Rhino on the Move, Rhinoceros Sculpture Hand Carved from Raintree Wood

Amporn

(75)

Smiling Deer, Handmade Deer Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Diving Dolphin, Alebrije Dolphin Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Mountain Fox, Colorful Fox Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Perky Armadillo' - Multicolored Armadillo Alebrije

Perky Armadillo, Multicolored Armadillo Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Relaxed Cat, Cat Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Audacious Hen' - Handmade Hen Alebrije Sculpture

Audacious Hen, Handmade Hen Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Bicycle Cat, Hand Painted Alebrije Cat Figurine

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$117.99 Wholesale

$117.99

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Mexican Hairless Dog in Red' - Orange Copal Wood Mexican Hairless Dog Alebrije Figurine

Mexican Hairless Dog in Red, Orange Copal Wood Mexican Hairless Dog Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$117.99 Wholesale

$117.99

Dream Vision, Hand-Carved Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

The Turtle and the Sea, Multicolored Hand Painted Wood Turtle Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Colorful Camel, Wood Alebrije Camel Figurine in Vivid Colors from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Golden Fox, Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

Wood hanging alebrije sculpture, 'Garden Hummingbird' - Handcrafted Wood Hanging Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture

Garden Hummingbird, Handcrafted Wood Hanging Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Blue Tortoise, Wood Alebrije Tortoise Sculpture in Blue from Mexico

Teresita Gonzalez

(44)

$169.99 Wholesale

$169.99

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Scales and Dreams' - Mexican Handmade Copal Wood Armadillo Alebrije Figurine

Scales and Dreams, Mexican Handmade Copal Wood Armadillo Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Geometric Camel, Mexican Alebrije Camel Sculpture with Geometric Designs

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Bold Deer, Hand Painted Deer Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Festive Cat' - Multicolored Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine from Mexico

Walking Festive Cat, Multicolored Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99

Reading Flamingo, Hand-Painted Pink Flamingo Copal Wood Bookmark from Oaxaca

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$14.99 Wholesale

$14.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Bold Cimarron' - Hand-Carved Bighorn Sheep Alebrije

Bold Cimarron, Hand-Carved Bighorn Sheep Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

Orange Deer, Handcrafted Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Reading Butterfly, Mexican Artisan Painted Butterfly Copal Wood Bookmark

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$14.39 Wholesale

~~$17.99~~ $14.39

Wood alebrije figurines, 'Dancing Toucans' (pair) - Handmade Bird Alebrijes (Pair)

Dancing Toucans, Handmade Bird Alebrijes (Pair)

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Fabulous Frog' - Hand-Painted Frog-Themed Wood Alebrije-Style Figurine

Fabulous Frog, Hand-Painted Frog-Themed Wood Alebrije-Style Figurine

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

Purple Quetzal, Artisan Crafted Bird Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99

Orange Quetzal, Multicolored Wooden Bird Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99

Fantastic Frog, Colorful Hand-Painted Frog Wood Alebrije-Style Figurine

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

Enchanting Snake, Snake Wood Alebrije-Style Sculpture in White Grey and Black

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)