This brilliant rhinoceros alebrije is from Teresita Gonzalez in Mexico. The meditating rhino is carved from copal wood and then carefully hand painted with complex patterns in red, blue and other 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 "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.
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These are beautifully made wooden hearts, wonderful for gifts
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I am pleased to add this happy Armadillo to my collection. The colors are vibrant and it is well made. I would purchase from this artist again.
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The dragon is fierce and friendly and happy and extremely colourful. Thanks for the fine work.
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