oaxaca wood carving

This beautiful alebrije figurine is from Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda in Mexico. They carve the sculpture by hand from copal wood, painting it in careful detail. Alebrijes are a traditional Oaxacan folk art, typically crafted from papier mache or wood.

Golden Fox Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Add a unique touch to your holiday ornament collection with this detailed alebrije heart by husband and wife duo Jesus and Roxana. They hand-carve it from copal wood and hand-paint it with joyful geometric designs in turquoise, cyan blue, and purple.

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez 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 them.

Winged Turquoise Heart Alebrije Winged Heart Copal Wood Ornament from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Blue Tortoise Wood Alebrije Tortoise Sculpture in Blue from Mexico

Teresita Gonzalez

(44)

By Mexican artisan Teresita Gonzalez, this charming alebrije tortoise offers guidance to those in the spirit world. The sculpture is carved of cedar wood, painted by hand with intricate designs to feature a blue color.

$169.99 Wholesale

$169.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Dainty Deer in Orange' - Hand Carved Alebrije Deer Figurine

Pablo and Lucy Mendez in Mexico work in the traditional Oaxacan folk art form called alebrijes to create this marvelous sculpture. The delicate orange deer is carved by hand from copal wood and then painted in meticulous detail. Please note that small parts may be detached for secure shipping.

The folk art tradition of alebrijes dates back to the 1930s 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. The same style of painting can also be found on other (non-animal) items.

Dainty Deer in Orange Hand Carved Alebrije Deer Figurine

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

This dreamy alebrije figurine is the design of artisan Manuel Cruz. The rabbit is hand carved from copal wood and delicately hand painted using a maguey thorn for finer details in multicolor tones with the traditional and detailed motifs that distinguish alebrije artwork. These traditional Mexican sculptures and figurines represent Oaxacan folklore.

Magical Rabbit Copal Wood Rabbit Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Manuel Cruz

(12)

$117.99 Wholesale

$117.99

Pink Iguana Pink and Yellow Wood Iguana Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

This fantastical pink and yellow iguana alebrije from Oaxaca artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez seems unable to decide on a standard appearance, so it adopts several different facades. The sides look like they're covered in scales, a sky blue spine appears on the back and tail, and the legs have mottled yellow and red skin. Hand carved from copal wood, the iguana's decoration is done by hand.

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.

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

This mouse figure is a magical alebrije, an animal wood carving painted in fantastic colors. He is named after another Mexican fantasy creature, the Ratoncito Pérez, Mexico's answer to the tooth fairy. He is created and signed by artists Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda of Oaxaca, Mexico. The tail detaches for safe shipping.

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Nocturnal Mystery' - Handmade Owl with Ear Tufts Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

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, 'My Domain' - Copal Wood Oaxaca Alebrije Cat in Multiple Bright Colors

Any cat lover knows that felines love to be up in high places to better supervise the goings-on in their (not our) houses. This brightly-colored wooden cat alebrije by Esteban Hernandez of Oaxaca is designed specifically to be displayed on the edge of a shelf, with one paw hanging down. The tail will be detached for shipping.

My Domain Copal Wood Oaxaca Alebrije Cat in Multiple Bright Colors

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

Coyote Charm, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Coyote Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

Turquoise Cat, Modern Turquoise Cat Alebrije Sculpture

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

Colorful Macaw, Multicolored Hand Painted Pinewood Macaw Figurine

Rodrigo Ramos

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Ceramic statuette, 'Lord of the Dead' - Ceramic Statuette Vessel Day of the Dead Mexico

Lord of the Dead, Ceramic Statuette Vessel Day of the Dead Mexico

Angel Ceron Artisan Association

(261)

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)

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

Owl Delight, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Owl Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

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

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Bold Goat' - Handmade Alebrije Goat Figurine

Bold Goat, Handmade Alebrije Goat Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Zapotec Bunny, Hand-Painted Rabbit Alebrije Figurine

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99

Wood figurine, 'Blue Dancing Frog' - Artisan Crafted Blue Wood Frog Figurine Sculpture

Blue Dancing Frog, Artisan Crafted Blue Wood Frog Figurine Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$87.99 Wholesale

$87.99

Stargazing Giraffe in Red, Wood Hand Painted Giraffe Alebrije Finely Painted in Red

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

Stargazing Giraffe in Blue, Wood Giraffe Alebrije Hand Painted in Blue and Ochre

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

My Domain in Gold, Blue and Gold Copal Wood Cat Alebrije from Oaxaca

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Insomniac Lion, Purple Sleepy Lion Alebrije Carving with Detachable Tail

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Ocean Dolphin, Hand Painted Dolphin Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Bold Deer, Hand Painted Deer Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Bicycle Cat, Hand Painted Alebrije Cat Figurine

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$117.99 Wholesale

$117.99

Wood sculpture, 'Hummingbird Visits a Cactus' - Hummingbird and Barrel Cactus Wood Sculpture From Oaxaca

Hummingbird Visits a Cactus, Hummingbird and Barrel Cactus Wood Sculpture From Oaxaca

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$109.99 Wholesale

$109.99

Mountain Fox, Colorful Fox Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Blue Cat Greeting, Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99

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

Perky Armadillo, Multicolored Armadillo Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Diving Dolphin, Alebrije Dolphin Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Green Hummingbird, Green Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

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

Amporn

(75)

Relaxed Cat, Cat Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Sun Force, Orange Alebrije Bull with Multicolor Hand Painted Motifs

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Crazy Cat' - Small Wood Alebrije Figurine

Crazy Cat, Small Wood Alebrije Figurine

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Fiery Cat' - Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine in Orange from Mexico

Fiery Cat, Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine in Orange from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

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)

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

Playful Blue Kitten, Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99

Alebrije sculpture, 'Purple Hummingbird' - Oaxacan Hummingbird Sculpture

Purple Hummingbird, Oaxacan Hummingbird Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

Alebrije sculpture, 'Blue Hummingbird' - Blue Hummingbird Alebrije Hanging Sculpture from Mexico

Blue Hummingbird, Blue Hummingbird Alebrije Hanging Sculpture from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Little Black Mouse Perez' - Turquoise and Black Mouse Alebrije Figure Signed by Artisans

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Chirping Cricket, Handcrafted Copal Wood Cricket Alebrije from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

Colorful Hummingbird, Multi Color Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Red Dragonfly' - Handmade Dragonfly Alebrije Figurine in Red from Oaxaca

Red Dragonfly, Handmade Dragonfly Alebrije Figurine in Red from Oaxaca

Teresita Gonzalez

(44)

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

Crazy Monkey, Handmade Animal Alebrije Figurine

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99

Black Fox, Wood Alebrije Fox Figurine in Black from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99

Death and Folklore, Mexican Hand Painted Terracotta Hue Wooden Skull Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Cricket Song, Handcrafted Copal Wood Cricket Alebrije from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

Hummingbird's Delight, Hand Painted cactus and Bird Alebrije Sculpture

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99

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

(334)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Turtle Love, Mexican Hand Painted Wood Sea Turtle Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Smiling Deer, Handmade Deer Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood figurine, 'Purple Dancing Frog' - Purple Hand Crafted Alebrije Style Frog Figurine Sculpture

Purple Dancing Frog, Purple Hand Crafted Alebrije Style Frog Figurine Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Lilac Turtle' - Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije

Lilac Turtle, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99

Bold Monkey, Multicolored Small Alebrije Figurine

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99

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

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Crazy Bunny' - Handmade Alebrije Rabbit from Mexico

Crazy Bunny, Handmade Alebrije Rabbit from Mexico

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99

Yellow Coyote, Artisan Crafted Wood Alebrije

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

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)

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)

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

White Coiled Snake, Handmade Coiled Snake-Shaped Wood Alebrije-Style Sculpture

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

$107.99 Wholesale

$107.99

Blue Axolotl, Handmade Copal Wood Axolotl Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$87.99 Wholesale

$87.99

Owl Joy, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Owl Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99

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

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

Buffalo Dream, Handmade Copal Wood Alebrije Buffalo Sculpture from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99

Wood alebrije ornament, 'Oaxaca Bull' - Handpainted Copal Wood Alebrije Bull Sculpture

Oaxaca Bull, Handpainted Copal Wood Alebrije Bull Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99

Hummingbird Song, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Bird Ornament

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Orange Deer, Handcrafted Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Nocturnal Cat' - Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine from Mexico

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

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99

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

Manuel Cruz

(12)

$477.99 Wholesale

$477.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Green Deer' - Handmade Copal Wood Alebrije

Green Deer, Handmade Copal Wood Alebrije

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Orange Quetzal, Multicolored Wooden Bird Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Blue Death, Artisan Crafted Blue Wood Skull Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)