oaxacan alebrije wood carving

This stunning alebrije sculpture is the original work of Esteban Hernandez in Mexico. Carved by hand from copal wood, the statuette is painted in meticulous detail with elabourate patterns and bold colours.

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.

colourful Squirrel Handcrafted Oaxacan Wood Alebrije

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

£163.30 Wholesale

£163.30

Red Coyote Handmade Oaxacan Wood Alebrije

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda work in the unique Oaxacan art form of alebrijes to create this wonderful sculpture. Carved by hand from copal wood, the coyote is then lovingly painted with bold red dots and stripes.

Adorned with cheerful artistry, this purple and pink snail makes its way from the magical lands of Oaxaca. "The snail symbolizes life that starts and ends in a spiral," believe Zeny and Reyna. After carving the copal wood alebrije, they use the tip of a maguey leaf to paint the florid patterns.

Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

Oaxaca Snail Handcrafted Mexican Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

£88.61 Wholesale

£88.61

Yellow Hare Hand-Painted Alebrije Figurine from Oaxaca

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

Esteban Hernandez creates this adorable figurine in the tradition of alebrijes, a folk art form that originated in his home state of Oaxaca. The small sculpture is carved from copal wood and painted entirely by hand.

£24.88 Wholesale

£24.88

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

This rhinoceros also has dreams of being a unicorn! He is an alebrije,, an animal wood carving painted in bright colours and fantastic patterns. This fellow was carved and signed by Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda of the Mexican state of 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)

£63.72 Wholesale

£63.72

Oaxaca Bull Handpainted Copal Wood Alebrije Bull Sculpture

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

This captivating copal wood alebrije sculpture of a majestic bull is exquisitely crafted by skilled artisans, Zeny and Reyna. Its vibrant colours, including shades of blue and purple, breathe life into the intricately painted fish adorning the bull's back. This eye-catching piece not only embodies the rich tradition of Mexican folk art but also serves as a mesmerizing symbol of imagination and creativity, destined to become a cherished centrepiece in your home.

£83.64 Wholesale

£83.64

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 colouring. 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)

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-coloured 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 colours

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

£44.80 Wholesale

£44.80

Wind Glider Blue and Red Copal Wood Pegasus Alebrije from Oaxaca

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

This cobalt blue winged horse figure with flame-coloured accents shows that Mexican handcrafts are quite adept at taking outside influences and making them their own. It is based on the European myth of Pegasus, but the design shows Japanese influence as well. It hand carved and hand painted by Oaxacan alebrije artist Esteban Hernandez.

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez work in the tradition of Oaxacan alebrijes to create this amazing figurine. The rhinoceros is carved by hand from copal wood and painted in meticulous detail.

Fierce Rhinoceros Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

£65.71 Wholesale

£65.71

Green Quetzal, Mexican Wood Bird Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Orange Quetzal, Multicoloured Wooden Bird Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Standing Jaguar, Artisan Crafted Oaxacan Alebrije

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

£158.32 Wholesale

£158.32

Surprised Monkey, Copal Wood Alebrije Carving of Multicoloured Monkey

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

£63.72 Wholesale

£63.72

Armadillo Fiesta, Multicolored Wood Armadillo Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

£44.80 Wholesale

£44.80

Bright Monkey, Small Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Sculpture

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

£26.88 Wholesale

£26.88

Mossy Monkey, Handmade Turquoise Monkey Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

£37.83 Wholesale

£37.83

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

£135.42 Wholesale

£135.42

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)

Coyote Charm, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Coyote Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Blue Yonder, Blue and Green Carved Owl Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

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

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

£88.61 Wholesale

£88.61

Diving Dolphin, Alebrije Dolphin Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Crazy Monkey, Handmade Animal Alebrije Figurine

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

£26.88 Wholesale

£26.88

Lilac Turtle, Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

£26.88 Wholesale

£26.88

Flirty Hen, Hen Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Coming back

Yellow Coyote, Artisan Crafted Wood Alebrije

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Golden Fox, Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Blue Hare, Handmade Rabbit Alebrije Figurine

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

£24.88 Wholesale

£24.88

Coming back

Green Deer, Handmade Copal Wood Alebrije

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

£97.58 Wholesale

£97.58

Cool Coyote, Hand-Painted Wooden Alebrije

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

£163.30 Wholesale

£163.30

Bold Rhinoceros, Handmade Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

£65.71 Wholesale

£65.71

Magical Rabbit, Copal Wood Rabbit Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Manuel Cruz

(12)

£102.55 Wholesale

£102.55

Audacious Hen, Handmade Hen Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Mountain Fox, colourful Fox Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

£63.72 Wholesale

£63.72

Smiling Deer, Handmade Deer Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Perky Armadillo, Multicoloured Armadillo Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Bold Cimarron, Hand-Carved Bighorn Sheep Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Orange Deer, Handcrafted Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Rosy Fox, Artisan Crafted Alebrije from Mexico

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Purple Quetzal, Artisan Crafted Bird Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Green Hare, Handcrafted Rabbit Alebrije from Mexico

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

£24.88 Wholesale

£24.88

Ocean Dolphin, Hand Painted Dolphin Alebrije

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Bold Deer, Hand Painted Deer Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Mythical Pegasus, Hand Painted Pegasus Alebrije Sculpture

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

Iguana Joy, Copal Wood Alebrije Lizard Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Relaxed Cat, Cat Alebrije Figurine from Mexico

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Wild Wolf, Hand Painted Wood Wolf Alebrije

Claudio Ojeda

(99)

£74.67 Wholesale

£74.67

Turquoise Cat, Modern Turquoise Cat Alebrije Sculpture

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Zapotec Pegasus, Hand Painted Wood Flying Horse Alebrije in Teal and Purple

Esteban Hernandez

(37)

Fantasy Elephant, colourful Handcrafted Trumpeting Elephant Wood Alebrije

Eugenia and Roberto Sosa

(16)

£343.53 Wholesale

£343.53

Celestial Cat, Blue and Teal Alebrije Cat with Star-Like Patterns on Body

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Insomniac Lion, Purple Sleepy Lion Alebrije Carving with Detachable Tail

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

£139.40 Wholesale

£139.40

Turtle Love, Mexican Hand Painted Wood Sea Turtle Alebrije Figurine

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Acrobatic Dragon, Colorful Hand Carved and Painted Dragon Alebrije Figurine

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

£60.73 Wholesale

£60.73

Geometric Camel, Mexican Alebrije Camel Sculpture with Geometric Designs

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

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

Manuel Cruz

(12)

£427.18 Wholesale

£427.18

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

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

£44.80 Wholesale

£44.80

Black Fox, Wood Alebrije Fox Figurine in Black from Mexico

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

£82.64 Wholesale

£82.64

Dream Owl, Mexican Hand Decorated Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture

Jesus and Roxana Hernandez

(102)

Bicycle Cat, Hand Painted Alebrije Cat Figurine

Zeny and Reyna

(334)

£102.55 Wholesale

£102.55

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

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

£135.42 Wholesale

£135.42

Blue Cat on a Bench, Handcrafted Wood Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico (2 pieces)

Zapotec Dream Family Workshop

(15)

£74.67 Wholesale

£74.67

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

£91.60 Wholesale

£91.60

Cautious Amber Rhino, Yellow Orange Dominant Rhinoceros Alebrije Sculpture

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Perky Blue Parrot, Handmade Blue Parrot Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

£248.93 Wholesale

£248.93

Perky Green Parrot, Handmade Green Parrot Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

£259.89 Wholesale

£259.89

Perky Red Parrot, Handmade Red Parrot Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

£232.01 Wholesale

£232.01

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

Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda

(16)

Dainty Deer in Grey, Handcrafted Grey Deer Alebrije Sculpture

Pablo and Lucy Mendez

(81)

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

Esteban Hernandez

(37)