oaxacan art animals

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 colourful 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.

Bold Coyote Oaxacan Wood Alebrije Statuette

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

$161.99CAD Wholesale

$161.99CAD

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)

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 colours and wild designs. These two were created and signed by Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda of Oaxaca, Mexico. The wings detach for safe shipping.

$131.99CAD Wholesale

$131.99CAD

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

Alebrijes are often a hybrid of real animals, such as elephants and crocodiles, or they can be more fantastical creatures, such as dragons. Artisan Teresita Gonzalez of Xoxocotlan in the Mexican state of Oaxaca creates an elaborately hand carved copal wood alebrije dragonfly, or libelula. The insect is beautifully painted in bold red with accents of black, blue and yellow. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

It is said that Oaxaca's alebrije tradition descends directly from Mexico City 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.

Red Dragonfly Handmade Dragonfly Alebrije Figurine in Red from Oaxaca

Teresita Gonzalez

(44)

$91.99CAD Wholesale

$91.99CAD

Colorful Macaw Multicolored Hand Painted Pinewood Macaw Figurine

Manuel Delfino

(32)

This sweet small figurine is hand crafted from pinewood by Guatemalan artisan Manuel Delfino. The artist was inspired by the Mexican folk art form of alebrijes, which are fanciful hand-painted animal sculptures from Oaxaca. Delfino carves the macaw by hand and paints it in colorful detail.

$28.92CAD Wholesale

~~$34.99CAD~~ $28.92CAD

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

Wearing bright red lipstick, a whimsical blue cat lifts her tail in greeting. Zeny and Reyna transform found pieces of copal wood into a delightful alebrije. These fanciful sculptures are a traditional folk art in Oaxaca, once based on twenty totems but today representing all kinds of animals. They take their name from a Calo gypsy word for "something difficult, tangled, confusing or fantastic."

Because each alebrije is individually created work of folk art, shapes will vary slightly. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

Blue Cat Greeting Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$102.12CAD Wholesale

~~$107.99CAD~~ $102.12CAD

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

A whimsical blue kitten romps and plays. Zeny and Reyna transform found pieces of copal wood into a delightful alebrije cat. These fanciful sculptures are a traditional folk art in Oaxaca, once based on twenty totems but today representing all kinds of animals. They take their name from a Calo gypsy word for "something difficult, tangled, confusing or fantastic."

Because each alebrije is an individually created work of folk art, shapes will vary slightly. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

Playful Blue Kitten Mexican Alebrije Cat Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$122.99CAD Wholesale

$122.99CAD

Alebrije sculpture, 'Proud Rooster' - Rooster Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

New Arrival

Proud Rooster Rooster Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

With bright feathers and comb erect, a proud rooster announces the imminent dawn. Zeny and Reyna transform found pieces of copal wood into a delightful alebrije. These fanciful sculptures are a traditional folk art in Oaxaca, once based on twenty totems but today representing all kinds of animals. They take their name from a Calo gypsy word for "something difficult, tangled, confusing or fantastic."

Because each alebrije is individually created work of folk art, shapes will vary slightly.

$876.99CAD Wholesale

$876.99CAD

Alebrije sculpture, 'Colorful Hummingbird' - Multi Color Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Hovering on whirring wings, a whimsical hummingbird seeks out the sweet nectar of flowers. Zeny and Reyna transform found pieces of copal wood into a delightful alebrije painted orange, red, yellow, green, white and black. These fanciful sculptures are a traditional folk art in Oaxaca, once based on twenty totems but today representing all kinds of animals. They take their name from a Caló gypsy word for "something difficult, tangled, confusing or fantastic."

Includes a thread for hanging.

Because each alebrije is individually created work of folk art, shapes will vary slightly. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

Colorful Hummingbird Multi Color Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$90.28CAD Wholesale

~~$94.99CAD~~ $90.28CAD

Perky Blue Parrot, Handmade Blue Parrot Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$363.99CAD Wholesale

$363.99CAD

Coloring postcards, 'Alebrije Collection' (set of 10) - Gift Idea 10 Coloring Postcards of Mexican Animal Alebrijes

Alebrije Collection, Gift Idea 10 Coloring Postcards of Mexican Animal Alebrijes

Alejandra Aceves

(48)

$28.72CAD Wholesale

~~$35.99CAD~~ $28.72CAD

Blue Hummingbird, Blue Hummingbird Alebrije Hanging Sculpture from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$86.68CAD Wholesale

~~$101.99CAD~~ $86.68CAD

Green Hummingbird, Green Hummingbird Alebrije Sculpture Crafted by Hand

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$90.15CAD Wholesale

~~$105.99CAD~~ $90.15CAD

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)

$87.99CAD Wholesale

$87.99CAD

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

Manuel Cruz

(12)

$624.99CAD Wholesale

$624.99CAD

Wood alebrije statuette, 'Magnificent Pegasus' - Handcrafted Alebrije Wood Pegasus Statuette from Mexico

Magnificent Pegasus, Handcrafted Alebrije Wood Pegasus Statuette from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$359.99CAD Wholesale

$359.99CAD

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

Dainty Deer in Grey, Handcrafted Grey Deer Alebrije Sculpture

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

Oaxaca Snail, Handcrafted Mexican Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$127.99CAD Wholesale

$127.99CAD

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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)

Turtle Love, Mexican Hand Painted Wood Sea Turtle Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$89.06CAD Wholesale

~~$104.99CAD~~ $89.06CAD

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)

Cricket Song, Handcrafted Copal Wood Cricket Alebrije from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$56.67CAD Wholesale

~~$66.99CAD~~ $56.67CAD

Wild Wolf, Hand Painted Wood Wolf Alebrije

Claudio Ojeda

(99)

$107.99CAD Wholesale

$107.99CAD

Nocturnal Mirage, Mexican Hand Painted Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Chirping Cricket, Handcrafted Copal Wood Cricket Alebrije from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Standing Jaguar, Artisan Crafted Oaxacan Alebrije

Esteban Hernández

(37)

$229.99CAD Wholesale

$229.99CAD

Calling Elephant, Red Dominant Elephant Alebrije Figure Made in Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Turtle Friend, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Turtle Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Dream Owl, Mexican Hand Decorated Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$114.99CAD Wholesale

$114.99CAD

Wood bookmark, 'Reading Cat' - Teal and Pink Cat-Themed Copal Wood Bookmark from Mexico

Reading Cat, Teal and Pink Cat-Themed Copal Wood Bookmark from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

$23.99CAD Wholesale

$23.99CAD

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

Speak No Evil, Wood Alebrije Carving of Multicoloured Monkey from Oaxaca

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$91.99CAD Wholesale

$91.99CAD

Hummingbird Song, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Bird Ornament

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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)

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)

Running Grace, Wood Deer Alebrije From San Martin Tilcajete Oaxaca

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Crimson Cat' - Red and Blue Arched Cat Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Crimson Cat, Red and Blue Arched Cat Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

My Domain, Copal Wood Oaxaca Alebrije Cat in Multiple Bright colours

Esteban Hernández

(37)

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

Oaxaca Bull, Handpainted Copal Wood Alebrije Bull Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$121.99CAD Wholesale

$121.99CAD

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

Esteban Hernández

(37)

Vibrant Hummingbird, Hummingbird Alebrije Home Accent Hand Crafted in Oaxaca

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$87.99CAD Wholesale

$87.99CAD

Orange Deer, Handcrafted Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Cautious Amber Rhino, Yellow Orange Dominant Rhinoceros Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$114.99CAD Wholesale

$114.99CAD

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

Surprised Monkey, Copal Wood Alebrije Carving of Multicoloured Monkey

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$91.99CAD Wholesale

$91.99CAD

Olmeca Jaguar with Human, Pre Hispanic Museum Replica Sculpture

Angel Ceron Artisan Association

(261)

$93.99CAD Wholesale

$93.99CAD

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)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Zapotec Pegasus in Purple' - Wood Pegasus Inspired Alebrije in Purple and other colours

Zapotec Pegasus in Purple, Wood Pegasus Inspired Alebrije in Purple and other colours

Esteban Hernández

(37)

Owl Joy, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Owl Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

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 Hernández

(37)

Fantasy Elephant, colourful Handcrafted Trumpeting Elephant Wood Alebrije

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

$502.99CAD Wholesale

$502.99CAD

Mexican Hairless Dog in Jade, Blue Copal Wood Mexican Hairless Dog Alebrije from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$148.99CAD Wholesale

$148.99CAD

Insomniac Lion, Purple Sleepy Lion Alebrije Carving with Detachable Tail

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

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)

$46.99CAD Wholesale

$46.99CAD

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

Lilac Turtle, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije

Esteban Hernández

(37)

$36.99CAD Wholesale

$36.99CAD

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

Bold Cimarron, Hand-Carved Bighorn Sheep Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Iguana Joy, Copal Wood Alebrije Lizard Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Diving Dolphin, Alebrije Dolphin Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Bold Rhinoceros, Handmade Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$93.99CAD Wholesale

$93.99CAD

Owl Delight, 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)

$56.67CAD Wholesale

~~$66.99CAD~~ $56.67CAD

Golden Fox, Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Magical Rabbit, Copal Wood Rabbit Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Manuel Cruz

(12)

$148.99CAD Wholesale

$148.99CAD

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

$202.99CAD Wholesale

$202.99CAD

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

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

Dancing Toucans, Handmade Bird Alebrijes (Pair)

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

$107.99CAD Wholesale

$107.99CAD

Purple Quetzal, Artisan Crafted Bird Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Green Quetzal, Mexican Wood Bird Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Orange Quetzal, Multicoloured Wooden Bird Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

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

Blue Goat, Artisan Crafted Goat Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Bold Deer, Hand Painted Deer Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wood alebrije sculpture, 'Ocean Dolphin' - Hand Painted Dolphin Alebrije

Ocean Dolphin, Hand Painted Dolphin Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Bold Goat, Handmade Alebrije Goat Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Bicycle Cat, Hand Painted Alebrije Cat Figurine

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

$148.99CAD Wholesale

$148.99CAD

Relaxed Cat, Cat Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Perky Armadillo, Multicoloured Armadillo Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Flirty Hen, Hen Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)