Alebrijes and Wood Figures
Oaxacan Wood Carvings
Hand-carved and then painted in cheerful colors, these alebrije carvings are the most sought-after folk art in Mexico. Each finely-crafted sculpture reflects its maker’s talent and imagination. We buy our figurines directly from carvers living in villages of the Oaxaca valley. Most are signed by the artists. In most wood-carving families, the husband does the carving and whittling, children sand the figurines to a smooth finish, and it is often the wives who paint the finely-detailed patterns. The realm of Oaxacan woodcarving reflects the best of Mexico’s wonderful, “made-by-hand” artistic traditions.
Read More About Alebrijes and Wood Figures
Alebrijes are hand-carved and then painted in cheerful colors, these alebrijes carvings are the most sought-after folk art in Mexico. These figurines are carved from the twisted branches of the copal tree, which grow wild in the valley hills. The wood is lightweight, easily workable, and sands to a smooth finish. Each finely-crafted sculpture reflects its maker’s talent and imagination and each is one of a kind. Their inspiration comes from many places including their dreams, superstitions, and exuberant fiestas. We buy our figurines directly from carvers living in villages of the Oaxaca valley. Most are signed by the artists. Browse our Viva Oaxaca website galleries to see carvings by many fine artists including Mario Casellanos, Avelino Perez, Lauro Ramirez, the Blas family and the Taller Tribus Mixes. Enjoy!
Showing 1–28 of 117 results
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Coyote Howling Alebrije, Light Pink
Size: 8.5 inches tall x 5.5 inches long
This coyote howling alebrije is painted light pink with a dark pink and blue floral design. The tail detaches for shipping. It is handcrafted and signed by Juventino Melchor.
SKU: WD-1_008$85.00 -
Rabbit Alebrije Carving
Size: 7.5 inches tall x 5.5 long
This Rabbit Alebrije is painted with intricate geometric patterns. Handmade in Oaxaca, Mexico at Taller de Mario Castellanos.
SKU: WD-1_007$229.00 -
Howling Coyote Alebrije, Dark Pink
Size: 8.5 inches tall by 5.5 inches long
The Howling Coyote Alebrije carving is handcrafted by Juventino Melchor and is signed. Painted in a bright dark pink with a beautiful floral design. Tail detaches for shipping.
SKU: WD-1_009$85.00 -
Armadillo Alebrije By Tribus Mixes
Size: 12 inches long
The Armadillo Alebrije is a Oaxacan carving by Tribus Mixes Collective. It is intricately painted in gray, orange, blue and cream. Signed by the artist.
SKU: WD-7_016$139.00 -
Running Rabbit Alebrije
Size: 5 inches long
The Running Rabbit Alebrije is a Oaxacan wood carving by Taller Tribus Mixes. It is handpainted in geometric pattern of tan, brown, black and white patterns. Ears detach for safe shipping.
SKU: WD-7_028$89.00 -
Miniature Turtle Alebrije
Size: 2 inches long
These miniature turtle alebrije carvings are handcrafted by Joaquin Hernandez. Each is uniquely painted in bright colors. They make great stocking stuffers or party favors.
SKU: WD-8_02$8.95 -
Nahual Dog Tuba Player
Size: 9.5 inches tall
Nahual Dog Tuba Player is a Oaxacan wood carving by Juventino Melchor. Each one is painted in unique color patterns. Colors may differ from that shown.
SKU: WD-6_09$59.00 -
Nahual Burro
Size: 8.5 inches tall
The Nahual Burro is a bold blue color with wings edged in green and brown. Handmade by Avelino Perez and signed by the artist.
SKU: WD-6_12$78.00 -
Toucan Playing Maracas Nahual
Size: 7.5 inches tall
Toucan Playing Maracas Nahual. This Oaxacan wood carving is by Juventino Melchor. Colors may vary.
SKU: WD-6_13$59.00 -
Miniature Horse Alebrije
Size: 2 inches tall x 1.75 inches wide
The Miniature Horse Alebrije is created Joaquin Hernandez in San Martin Tilcajete, near Oaxaca. Each is one of a kind and hand-painted in an array of colors and designs.
SKU: WD-8_09$8.95 -
Red Devil Guitarist
Size: 7.5 inches tall
The Red Devil Guitarist is a collectible, handmade wood carving from Oaxaca, Mexico. It is signed by the artist, Juventino Melchor.
SKU: WD-8_12$49.00 -
Dragonfly Alebrije
Size: 11 inches long x 10 inches wide
The Dragonfly Alebrije is by the Rogelio Blas in Oaxaca. It is brightly colored in purple with multicolored designs. The wings, legs and antenna detach for safe shipping.
SKU: WD-5_01$79.00 -
Tan Turtle Alebrije
Size: 10 inches long x 5 inches wide
The Tan Turtle Alebrije features a tan colored body with a bold multicolored shell. It is a collectible. Handcrafted and beautifully painted by Tribus Mixes Collective. Signed by the artist.
SKU: WD-7_33$130.00 -
Fox Alebrije Carving
Size: 7 inches long x 7 inches tall
This Fox Alebrije carving is handmade by Taller de Mario Castellanos. It is beautifully painted in shades of lavender and green with an intricate geometric design.
SKU: WD-2_01$265.00 -
Black American Pit Bull
Size: 6 inches long x 2 inches wide
This black American pit bull is carved from one piece of copal wood by Juventino Melchor and is signed. It is beautifully painted in black and gray and has a red, studded collar.
SKU: WD-2_15$79.00 -
Miniature Alebrijes Collection, Set #2
Size: Individuals are 1.5 - 2.5 inches long
The miniature Alebrijes Collection includes five figures. They are a dog, fish, ladybug, cat, and rooster. Each carving is sealed in separate plastic bag. These make great stocking stuffers or party favors. Colors of individual pieces may vary from photos.
SKU: WD-8_03$35.00 -
Armadillo Alebrije by Tribus Mixes
Size: 12 inches long
The Armadillo Alebrije is a Oaxacan wood carving with an elaborate hand-painted design. It is made in Oaxaca by Taller Tribus Mixes.
SKU: WD-7_046$139.00 -
Miniature Porcupine
Size: 2 inches long
The Miniature Porcupine is by Joaquin Hernandez. They are painted in a wide array of color patterns. Each figurine is one of a kind.
SKU: WD-8_13$8.95 -
Miniature Dog Alebrije
Size: 2 inches tall
Miniature dog alebrije is by Joaquin Hernandez. Each dog is a different color combination. These make great party favors or stocking stuffers. Tail detaches for safe shipping.
SKU: WD-8_15$8.95 -
Miniature Pig Alebrije
Size: 2 inches long
This Miniature Pig Alebrije is made in an array of colors by Oaxacan carver Joaquin Hernandez. These make great socking stuffers or party favors. Each is one of a kind.
SKU: WD-8_16$8.95 -
Honeybee Wood Carving
Size: 8 inches long x 8.5 inches tall
This Honeybee Wood Carving is handcrafted in Oaxaca by the Blas Family. Each honeybee is one of a kind so colors will vary. Wings and legs detach for safe shipping.
SKU: WD-5_02$59.00 -
Boxer With Bone Carving
Size: 9 inches long x 8 inches tall
The Boxer With Bone Carving is a Oaxacan carving by Tribus Mixes collective. It is painted in realistic colors. The bone detaches for shipping.
SKU: WD-7_071$135.00 -
Miniature Caterpillar Carvings
Size: 3 inches long
These Miniature Caterpillar Carvings make great stocking stuffers or party favors. It is also a whimsical touch to your house plants! Each piece is one of a kind. Colors may vary from photos shown,
SKU: WD-8_25$7.95 -
Copper/Silver Elephant
Size: 5 inches long x 4 inches tall x 4 inches wide
The Copper/Silver Elephant alebrije carving measures 4 inches tall by 5 inches long. Painted in an intricate, copper and silver pattern. The Oaxacan wood sculpture is handcrafted by the Tribus Mixes studio.
SKU: WD-7_039$43.00 -
Mini Elephant Alebrije
Size: 1 inch long x 2.5 inches tall
The Mini Elephant Alebrije carvings are handmade in Oaxaca by Joaquin Hernandez. Figures are painted in a variety of cheerful colors.
SKU: WD-8_28$8.95 -
Miniature Rabbit Alebrije
Size: 1 inch long x 2.5 inches tall
The Miniature Rabbit Alebrije is a Oaxacan carving by Joaquin Hernandez. Each one is painted in a different color combonation. Sealed in a tiny plastic bag.
SKU: WD-8_31$8.95 -
Mini Dolphin Pair Alebrijes
Size: 2.75 inches long
Pair of little dolphin alebrijes, handcrafted in Oaxaca. Each is uniquely designed and painted in different color patterns. Sold as a pair.
SKU: WD-8_32$14.95 -
Miniature Cat Alebrije
Size: 2 inches tall x 1.75 inches wide
The miniature cat alebrije wood carving is by Joaquin Hernandez in San Martin Tilcajete, near Oaxaca. Each is one of a kind, Hand-painted in an array of colors and designs.
SKU: WD-8_34$8.95