oaxaca wooden figures

A perky red parrot alights on a tree branch. With wings spread, it flaunts flirty feathers in bright primary colors. Pablo and Lucy Mendez carry on the traditional alebrije folk art they learned from their own parents to craft the beautiful bird.

Oaxaca's alebrije tradition derives from the art of Pedro Linares (1906-1992), a Mexico City papier mache artist. While in a coma during a serious illness, he found himself in a dream forest with fanciful creatures made with body parts from different animals. They cried, "Alebrije! Alebrije!" When he awakened, Linares crafted the figures in papier mache and his influence reached to Oaxaca, where they are carved from copal wood.

Because each sculpture is an individually created work of folk art, shapes are dictated by the wood branch and may vary slightly. The feathers and tree trunk are disassembled to protect them during shipping.

Perky Red Parrot Handmade Red Parrot Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

$249.99 Wholesale

$249.99

Wood alebrije, 'Oaxaca Dragon' - Dragon Inspired Copal Wood Alebrije from Oaxaca Mexico

Like Mexican culture in general, many Oaxaca alebrijes reveal a mixture of European and indigenous influences. This copal wood carved alebrije from the Central Valleys of Oaxaca depicts a blue and orange dragon, from European lore, with the colors of a nahual, an indigenous fantastic creature. It is the creation of artist Esteban Hernandez.

The wings and fiery tongue are removed for shipping.

Oaxaca Dragon Dragon Inspired Copal Wood Alebrije from Oaxaca Mexico

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99

Bold Coyote Oaxacan Wood Alebrije Statuette

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

In the 1930s in Oaxaca, Mexico, an artist named Pedro Linares fell ill. In his fevered dreams, he saw fantastical creatures--a lion with the head of a bird; a rooster with bull's horns. The colorful animals all rushed toward him shouting the nonsense word, "alebrije! alebrije!". Upon awakening, he felt compelled to recreate his vision, and the art form of alebrijes was born. Eugenia and Roberto Sosa uphold the artistic tradition with this excellent coyote sculpture. Carved from copal wood, the statuette is painted by hand in brilliant detail.

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99

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

"Why, hello!" says this adorable owl after he emerges from his package in your home. He is an alebrije, part of a folk art tradition that carves animals from copal wood, then paints them in fantastic colors and designs. This wise little bird is created and signed by artists Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Rose Winged Owl Hand Carved Owl Alebrije with Rosy Wings from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Working in the traditional Oaxacan folk art form called alebrijes, Pablo and Lucy Mendez in Mexico create this marvelous sculpture. The delicate 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 Grey Handcrafted Grey Deer Alebrije Sculpture

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

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

These happy-footed penguins have put on their party clothes for the weekend. The two copal wood figures are alebrijes, a tradition of painting hand-carved animal figures in bright colors and wild designs. These two were created and signed by Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda of Oaxaca, Mexico. The wings detach for safe shipping.

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

"Whoooo am I?" says this little owl. He needs a name, and you can give it to him. He is an alebrije, part of a folk art tradition that carves animals from copal wood, then paints them in fantastic colors and designs. This wise little bird is created and signed by artists Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda of Oaxaca, Mexico.

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)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

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

(78)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99

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)

This colorful alebrije kitten will look just as good guarding your desk as it will crouching in your bookshelves. Zeny and Reyna carve it from copal wood and hand paint it with a combination of detailed geometric and floral patterns.

The Mexican artisans were brought together by their love of art, color, and nature. They are true ambassadors of the art of alebrijes. Their work is on exhibit in multiple museums around the US and Europe, and they have been recognized by both the Oaxacan and the Mexican government.

$314.99 Wholesale

$314.99

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

This poor monkey cannot bear to see the chaos that reigns all around him. This sculpture is an example of a Oaxacan alebrije, a copal wood carving 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 tail is removed for shipping.

Calling Elephant, Red Dominant Elephant Alebrije Figure Made in Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Purple Pouncing Cat, Purple Crouching Cat Alebrije Figure with Henequen Whiskers

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

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

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99

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

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

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

Coyote Delight, Handcrafted Copal Wood Coyote Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Chirping Cricket, Handcrafted Copal Wood Cricket Alebrije from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

Kaleidoscopic Armadillo, Hand Carved Copal Wood Multicolored Armadillo Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Rainbow Snail, Multicolored Wood Snail Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$144.99 Wholesale

$144.99

Red Dragonfly, Handmade Dragonfly Alebrije Figurine in Red from Oaxaca

Teresita Gonzalez

(43)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Swordfish Mystery' - Wood Alebrije Swordfish Figurine from Mexico

Swordfish Mystery, Wood Alebrije Swordfish Figurine from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

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

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Howling Coyote' - Multicolored Alebrije Coyote Figurine with Geometric Motifs

Coming back

Howling Coyote, Multicolored Alebrije Coyote Figurine with Geometric Motifs

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Mossy Monkey, Handmade Turquoise Monkey Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Elephant in Green, Artisan Crafted Green Wood Elephant Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Cricket Song, Handcrafted Copal Wood Cricket Alebrije from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

Owl Delight, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Owl Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Rabbit Handstand, Hand-Carved Wood Alebrije Rabbit Sculpture from Mexico

Teresita Gonzalez

(43)

$134.99 Wholesale

$134.99

Iguana Joy, Copal Wood Alebrije Lizard Figurine from Mexico

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

(332)

$87.99 Wholesale

$87.99

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Turtle Mom Taxi' - Green and Blue Oaxacan Mother Turtle Alebrije with Babies

Turtle Mom Taxi, Green and Blue Oaxacan Mother Turtle Alebrije with Babies

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99

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)

Wood alebrije figurine, 'Night Fantasy' - Wood Owl Sculpture with Hand Painted Star Design from Mexico

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Esteban Hernandez

(32)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

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

Turtle Love, Mexican Hand Painted Wood Sea Turtle Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Oviform Owl in Black and White' - Signed Black and White Owl Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Oviform Owl in Black and White, Signed Black and White Owl Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

Green Chameleon, Blue-Footed Green Chameleon Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(12)

$144.99 Wholesale

$144.99

Grey Rhino, Copal Wood Alebrije Rhino Figurine in Grey from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(332)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Dream Owl, Mexican Hand Decorated Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Loco Lobo, Multicolored Wolf Alebrije Figurine Handmade in Mexico

Teresita Gonzalez

(43)

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

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Garden Hummingbird, Handcrafted Wood Hanging Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Manuel Cruz

(12)

$459.99 Wholesale

$459.99

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Turtle Friend, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Turtle Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Magnificent Pegasus, Handcrafted Alebrije Wood Pegasus Statuette from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(78)

$264.99 Wholesale

$264.99

Scales and Dreams, Mexican Handmade Copal Wood Armadillo Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije ornaments, 'Magic Birds' (set of 5) - Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Bird Ornaments (Set of 5)

Magic Birds, Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Bird Ornaments (Set of 5)

Claudio Ojeda

(97)

$38.24 Wholesale

~~$44.99~~ $38.24

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Owl Joy, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Owl Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Geometric Camel, Mexican Alebrije Camel Sculpture with Geometric Designs

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood figurine, 'Blue Death' - Artisan Crafted Blue Wood Skull Figurine from Mexico

Blue Death, Artisan Crafted Blue Wood Skull Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Hummingbird Song, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Bird Ornament

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Armadillo Delight, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Armadillo Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)