The Alebrijes are imaginary creatures that have elements from different animals such as dragon bodies, bat wings, wolf teeth and dog eyes. Colorfully painted, they were originally made with papier mache but nowadays they are also wood carved.

These petite wood carvings are representations of spirits according to the Zapotec culture and can be found in abundance in the towns of San Martin Tilcjete, Arrazola, and La Union Tejalpam.

5 Alebrijes in this collection: Dragon, Sea-turtle, and 3 Armadillos.

About: Oaxacan Alebrijes

Oaxacan wood carving is a folk art style pioneered by Manuel Jimenez from Arrazola a small village near Oaxaca City. He carved and painted animal figurines with a unique flare. Jimenez talent and imagination was sponsored by an American merchant that helped him gain international recognition.

Other carvers from the area developed their own styles and over the years Oaxacan wood carvings have become one of the most appreciated and popular Mexican folk art styles.

Among the different styles developed by local artisans are the reproductions of the Linares' Alebrije. This depiction has been so successful that some people have named the whole Oaxacan wood carving style Oaxacan Alebrijes.