This brightly colored deer is the work of Mexican artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez, who preserve the distinctly Oaxacan folk art form of alebrijes. The figurine is carved by hand from copal wood before being carefully painted with a dizzying array of colorful motifs.
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 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.
Purchased this? Leave your review.
Verified Reviewer
This is a lovely hummer; the tail pieces are individual but the wings are thankfully already glued together. Very charming.
Was This Review Helpful?
Yes (0)
No (0)
Verified Reviewer
Beautiful wooden ornament. My wife was very happy with the addition to our tree
Was This Review Helpful?
Yes (0)
No (0)
Verified Reviewer
Now have a dozen in house or gifts sculpted by Jesus and Roxanne. Easily my favorite alebreje artists. Have all the coyotes and monkeys so a domestic dog is a great change!
Mexican Hairless Dog in Red, Orange Copal Wood Mexican Hairless Dog Alebrije Figurine
Was This Review Helpful?
Yes (0)
No (0)
Verified Reviewer
It was a very delicate and wonderful work with detailed details.
Coyote Delight, Handcrafted Copal Wood Coyote Alebrije Figurine
Was This Review Helpful?
Yes (-1)
No (0)
Verified Reviewer
Great looking alebrije with beautiful colors! A++++++++++++++++++++++++
Little Burro, Hand Painted Burro Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico
Was This Review Helpful?
Yes (0)
No (0)
Verified Reviewer
I love goats and this one is perfect! The colors are vibrant and the carving is fantastic. I love it!,I love goats and this one is perfect! The colors are vibrant and the carving is fantastic. I love it!
Was This Review Helpful?
Yes (0)
No (0)