Tuesday

Alebrijes Oaxacan Mexico Wood Carvings


This is the only piece of art from Oaxacan, Mexico called an Alebrijes that I own and my wonderful hubby got it for me for my birthday last year. However, I have purchased many pieces over the years, but have given them as gifts to special people in my life. Not only are they beautiful, but also great investments. This, of course, is a peacock and all of the feathers are removable. I arrange them differently from time to time. When you pick it up it's almost like lifting air –it is so light. Prior to being made of wood, they were made of paper mache.

The wood used to create these beautiful carvings is fresh cut copal wood. The artisan then carves the piece out of the wood and then lets it dry in the sun. Once dry it is sanded smooth. Many different tools are used to paint the intricate designs and the color palette is chosen.

You can generally tell which village an Alebrijes comes from since there are different styles used from each of the different villages. Keep your eye out for them in thrift shops and unusual place, since I think that there are many people who do not understand the quality and think they are just tourist novelties. This site seems to have a really nice selection.

My birthday is very soon and I'm hoping that I get another to add to my collection!

16 reviews:

Unknown said...

Absolutely beautiful !! Lucky you :D

Matt said...

This is absolutely beautiful! i have a large ironwood collection and I love getting new pieces for my birthday.

Beat Black said...

thats so pretty. i like that the feathers come out :)

be sure to tell us when its your birthday

dicope said...

I love it !!

PurrPrints said...

wow these are beautiful--good luck getting another one for your birthday--i can see why you'd want to!

Anonymous said...

I pray that your wish come true on your coming birthday with the realization of the Alebrijes Mexican carved wood art piece.

I am amazed with the craft and the color combination.

Rosebud Collection said...

Wow, that is just beautiful..What work and are you lucky to own it..
Just great..

Unknown said...

Quite beautiful and what a wonderful b-day present!

Marlaine said...

What a beautiful piece! I can see why you enjoy it!

Unknown said...

I've nominated you for an award!!! :-) please feel free to participate or ignore :-)
http://triz-beadingmania.blogspot.com/2008/09/award.html

Ashley Newell said...

Wow! This is gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

That is incredibly beautiful. It has to be fun to move the feathers around. Happy coming up birthday!! I have one coming up too.

We fall babies have talent, don't we!:)

Carol Dean Sharpe said...

So vibrant! :D

StaroftheEast said...

I totally love that, I'm a little green of envy here :)

deedee said...

Happy birthday to you. I'll keep an eye out for one of these unique works of art. September is a great month to have a birthday - mine is this Saturday.

erinberry said...

What a beautiful piece of art!

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