hand carved animals

Beautifully carved and painted by hand, this fun set of four ornaments is from Esteban Hernandez in Mexico. The artisan works in the style of alebrijes, a popular Oaxacan folk art form. Each of the four small fish ornaments is painted in a different color scheme.

Poised and ready to swoop in at the first sight of nectar is this inventively decorated hanging hummingbird alebrije from Mexican artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez of Oaxaca. Carved by hand from copal wood, the bird's red and purple body is adorned with small yellow blossoms. The removable wings and tail feathers are green and terracotta with yellow tips. The bird can be hung using the metal ring on its back. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

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

Designed by Mexican duo Jesus and Roxana Hernandez, this set of five ornaments carries on the rich tradition of alebrije sculptures. Each ornament is carved by hand of copal wood to depict a sweet puppy. The ornaments are hand-painted with assorted colors.

Designed by Mexican duo Jesus and Roxana Hernandez, this set of five ornaments carries on the rich tradition of alebrije sculptures. Each ornament is carved by hand of copal wood to depict a sweet penguin. The ornaments are hand-painted in assorted colors.

Designed by Mexican duo Jesus and Roxana Hernandez, this set of five ornaments carries on the rich tradition of alebrije sculptures. Each ornament is carved by hand of copal wood to depict a sweet chicken. The ornaments are hand-painted with assorted colors.