animal figurines

A perky blue 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.

Ghanaian artisan Ayoma Alhassan creates his own interpretation of the traditional Dogon boards of Mali, featuring depictions of human and animal figures and serving as protectors of the households to ward off malevolent spirits. Masterfully hand-carved in mahogany, this wall relief panel showcases abstract figures that include a mother with her children, brothers and sisters and a heart symbolizing love. Each figure is exquisitely adorned with accents made from a blend of charcoal and glue and further enhanced by hand-painted details in black and brown.

Ghanaian artist Ayoma Alhassan creates a breathtaking wall relief panel that showcases his incredible talent for hand-carving mahogany. The panel is adorned with a stunning array of abstract figures, including humans, lizards, snakes, mice and turtles embellished with accents made from a blend of charcoal and glue. Alhassan's masterful craftsmanship is further highlighted by the intricate hand-painted details that bring each figure to life. This piece is an homage to the traditional Dogon boards of Mali, which were renowned for their intricate depictions of human and animal figures that served to ward off malevolent spirits and protect the household.

Inspired by the art of the African Bambara people, Ghana's Emmanuel Austin Ankude creates this beautiful and striking decorative jar. The jar is hand-carved from sese wood and rubbed with clay for a rustic finish. The lid features a sculpture of two mythic animals, characteristic of Bambara designs.