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!