Alebrijes
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. For more details, download our promotional flyer at this link.

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Read More
Alebrijes – Colorful Folk Art Wood Carvings from Oaxaca
Alebrijes, the vivid and whimsical wooden figures handmade by artisans in Oaxaca, are the most prized of all the Mexican crafts. They are a subset of a wide range of Oaxaca carvings. They are typically the most colorful, the most outlandish, imaginary and fantastical of the Oaxacan carvings. These are painted with the most detailed patterns of stripes, dots, geometric shapes, flowers and flames. Sometimes the creature will have two heads. Sometimes it has the face of a lion and feet of a flamingo. Any strange combination of species and body parts is fair game. If it lives in an artist’s dreams or hallucinations, it’s probably an alebrije.
Mexican craft traditions date back to the 1500s, evolved from the fusion of the ancient indigenous techniques and design with those of the conquering Spanish. The art of the alebrijes is far more recent.
Where does the term “alebrije” come from?
The original figures sprung from a series of fevered, hallucinatory dreams that a 30-year-old Mexican papier-maché artist, Pedro Linares, had in 1936. In his dreams, these strange creatures would chant at him with a word he later recalled as “alebrije. Later, recovered from his illness, the artist started crafting these large, strange creatures in papier-maché. It wasn’t long before these wild figures caught the attention of a gallery owner in Cuernavaca. Soon his work was acclaimed by the likes of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, who commissioned him to make more. Eventually, Linares’ work was celebrated throughout Mexico. Before his death in 1992, he was Mexico’s National Arts and Sciences Award in Popular Arts and Traditions.
Meet Manuel Jimenez, originator of the Oaxacan alebrije carvings
Down in Southern Mexico, in the village of Arrazola, which sits at the foot of the famed Monte Alban archaeological site, a peasant named Manuel Jiménez had been carving wood figures since his boyhood in the 1920s. His early figures were masks and small farm animals, which he would often sell outside the gates to Monte Alban. In the 1970s, after having an opportunity to meet Linares, Jimenez started to add the fantastical elements of the alebrijes to his carvings, which he was now making out of softwood from a scrub tree called copal. The effect revolutionized the carving craft. Jimenez quickly found a ready market for his figures in the street markets of Oaxaca City. Eventually the carving caught on with farmers and campesinos in other towns — La Union Tejalapam and San Martin Tilcajete. Soon, the wooden creatures became sought-after by collectors throughout North America and beyond. After Smithsonian Magazine did a cover story on alebrijes in 1987, they became widely seen as traditional Oaxacan folk art creations.
Carvers Of Today
Today, most carvers are not Zapotec, and the art form is neither centuries’ old nor a creation of indigenous peoples. Yet Oaxacan wood carvings are the most celebrated and collected of all Mexican Folk Art. Interesting, the raw material, copal wood, has other uses that do go back to ancient times. The sap is used for an array of medical purposes, such as treating scorpion bites, relieving acne and treating cold symptoms. The hardened resin is also burned in churches and cemeteries during religious services with the smoke producing a distinctive fruity fragrance. Burning copal resin is an essential part of both ancient and modern Day of the Dead celebrations.
There is an interesting division of labor that I have seen repeatedly within the families making Oaxacan carvings. The gathering, chopping and carving of the wood is done by males, both men and boys. After the initial rough carving, the wood is left to day, often for several months. Then the sanding, a low-skill and boring part of the job, is done by children. The most creative and painstaking part, the elaborate and delicate painting of the figures, is done by women. In decades past, the carvings were signed only by the male head of the family. I have noticed a nice trend in recent years that more and more of the carvings bear the names of both the husband and wife.
Phil Saviano
Showing 1–28 of 48 results
-
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 -
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 Alebrijes
Size: measures 8 inches tall by 12 inches long
The Armadillo Alebrije measures looks animated, standing as if on the attack. It is painted in bright colors in a beautiful design. Parts detach for safe shipping. Paint colors and patterns may vary from the carving shown. This Oaxacan woodcarving Alebrije is by Rogelio Blas F.
SKU: WD-1_040$89.00 -
Chupacabra Alebrijes
Size: 12 inches long x 12 inches tall x 9 inches wide
The Chupacabra Alebrije figure represents the legendary folkloric blood-sucking creature. Handcrafted in the Sierra Norte Mountains north of Oaxaca, by the renowned Blas Alebrijes family. Wings and tail detach for shipping.
SKU: WD-1_002$139.00 -
Purple Sitting Cat Alebrije
Size: 4.5 inches tall
This purple sitting cat alebrije is handcrafted and signed by Roberta Angeles. It is right facing with its head tilted back. The tail detaches for shipping.
SKU: WD-2_05$22.00 -
Stretching Cat Alebrije
Size: 5.5-inch long
This Stretching Cat Alebrije is handcrafted in Oaxaca by Roberta Angeles Ojeda. It is painted red with a floral design. The tail detaches for shipping. It is signed.
SKU: WD-2_08$22.00 -
Snail Alebrije
SIZE: 7 inches long
This Snail Alebrije is a Oaxacan carving by Javier Blas. Decorated in cheerful colors of pink and blue with geometric detailing.
SKU: WD-4_11$45.00 -
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 Armadillo Alebrije
Size: 2.5 inches long
Miniature Armadillo Alebrije comes in an array of bright colors. Tail detaches for shipping. Made by Joaquin Hernandez in Oaxaca, Mexico. These make great stocking stuffers or party favors.
SKU: WD-8_05$8.95 -
Snail, Oaxacan Alebrije by Blas Family, 6.5-inch long
Oaxacan woodcarving by Medardo Blas
Snail with blue, green and black shell measures 6.5 inches long
SKU: WD-4_01$45.00 -
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$70.00 -
Turtle Alebrije
Size: 9 inches long
This Turtle Alebrije has a bright turquoise body with a multicolored shell. It is a collectible. Handcrafted and beautifully painted by Tribus Mixes Collective. Signed by the artist.
SKU: WD-7_32$60.00 -
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 -
Alebrije Fantasy Figure
Size: 8 inches tall
The Alebrije Carving is made in Oaxaca by the Blas family. Each is a unique color pattern. The ears, tail, and wings detach for safe shipping.
SKU: WD-8_07$45.00 -
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 -
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 -
Brown Bat Alebrije
Size: 6.5 inches tall x 15 inches wide
This Brown Bat Alebrije wood carving is handcrafted in Oaxaca by Lauro Ramirez.
SKU: WD-1_018$135.00 -
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 -
Scorpion Wood Carving
Size: 7 inches long x 8 inches wide
Our Scorpion Wood Carving is made in Oaxacan by M. Carmela Blas. It is sturdy and colorful. Legs and claws detach for shipping.
SKU: WD-5_04$59.00 -
Red Raccoon Alebrije Carving, 8-inch
Oaxacan wood carving by Lauro Ramirez and Griselda Ramirez. Note the fine detail in hand-painted geometric color patterns. Signed by the artist.
Raccoon measures 8 inches long by 6 inches tall. Tail detaches for safe shipping.
SKU: WD-1_029$129.00 -
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 -
Orange Cat Alebrije
Size: 5 inches tall
This Orange Cat Alebrije is carved, painted and signed by Roberta Angeles. This sitting cat is left facing with its head tilted back. It is painted orange with a floral design. Tail detaches for shipping.
SKU: WD-2_23$23.00 -
Rat Woodcarving
Size: 4 inches tall
This Rat Woodcarving is painted with metallic brown and silver paint. Designs may vary slightly between individual carvings. By the Tribus Mixes studio in Oaxaca. Each piece is signed by the artist. The long tail detaches for safe shipping.
SKU: WD-7_035$50.00 -
Miniature Tropical Fish Alebrije
Size: 2.5 inches long
These Miniature Tropical Fish Alebrijes are made in Oaxaca by Joaquin Hernandez. Each one is uniquely painted in bright colors. They make great stocking stuffers or party favors! Each is sealed in its own tiny plastic bag.
SKU: WD-8_06$8.95
Alebrijes
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.

Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Read More
Alebrijes – Colorful Folk Art Wood Carvings from Oaxaca
Alebrijes, the vivid and whimsical wooden figures handmade by artisans in Oaxaca, are the most prized of all the Mexican crafts. They are a subset of a wide range of Oaxaca carvings. They are typically the most colorful, the most outlandish, imaginary and fantastical of the Oaxacan carvings. These are painted with the most detailed patterns of stripes, dots, geometric shapes, flowers and flames. Sometimes the creature will have two heads. Sometimes it has the face of a lion and feet of a flamingo. Any strange combination of species and body parts is fair game. If it lives in an artist’s dreams or hallucinations, it’s probably an alebrije.
Mexican craft traditions date back to the 1500s, evolved from the fusion of the ancient indigenous techniques and design with those of the conquering Spanish. The art of the alebrijes is far more recent.
Where does the term “alebrije” come from?
The original figures sprung from a series of fevered, hallucinatory dreams that a 30-year-old Mexican papier-maché artist, Pedro Linares, had in 1936. In his dreams, these strange creatures would chant at him with a word he later recalled as “alebrije. Later, recovered from his illness, the artist started crafting these large, strange creatures in papier-maché. It wasn’t long before these wild figures caught the attention of a gallery owner in Cuernavaca. Soon his work was acclaimed by the likes of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, who commissioned him to make more. Eventually, Linares’ work was celebrated throughout Mexico. Before his death in 1992, he was Mexico’s National Arts and Sciences Award in Popular Arts and Traditions.
Meet Manuel Jimenez, originator of the Oaxacan alebrije carvings
Down in Southern Mexico, in the village of Arrazola, which sits at the foot of the famed Monte Alban archaeological site, a peasant named Manuel Jiménez had been carving wood figures since his boyhood in the 1920s. His early figures were masks and small farm animals, which he would often sell outside the gates to Monte Alban. In the 1970s, after having an opportunity to meet Linares, Jimenez started to add the fantastical elements of the alebrijes to his carvings, which he was now making out of softwood from a scrub tree called copal. The effect revolutionized the carving craft. Jimenez quickly found a ready market for his figures in the street markets of Oaxaca City. Eventually the carving caught on with farmers and campesinos in other towns — La Union Tejalapam and San Martin Tilcajete. Soon, the wooden creatures became sought-after by collectors throughout North America and beyond. After Smithsonian Magazine did a cover story on alebrijes in 1987, they became widely seen as traditional Oaxacan folk art creations.
Carvers Of Today
Today, most carvers are not Zapotec, and the art form is neither centuries’ old nor a creation of indigenous peoples. Yet Oaxacan wood carvings are the most celebrated and collected of all Mexican Folk Art. Interesting, the raw material, copal wood, has other uses that do go back to ancient times. The sap is used for an array of medical purposes, such as treating scorpion bites, relieving acne and treating cold symptoms. The hardened resin is also burned in churches and cemeteries during religious services with the smoke producing a distinctive fruity fragrance. Burning copal resin is an essential part of both ancient and modern Day of the Dead celebrations.
There is an interesting division of labor that I have seen repeatedly within the families making Oaxacan carvings. The gathering, chopping and carving of the wood is done by males, both men and boys. After the initial rough carving, the wood is left to day, often for several months. Then the sanding, a low-skill and boring part of the job, is done by children. The most creative and painstaking part, the elaborate and delicate painting of the figures, is done by women. In decades past, the carvings were signed only by the male head of the family. I have noticed a nice trend in recent years that more and more of the carvings bear the names of both the husband and wife.
Phil Saviano
Showing 1–28 of 48 results
-
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 -
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 Alebrijes
Size: measures 8 inches tall by 12 inches long
The Armadillo Alebrije measures looks animated, standing as if on the attack. It is painted in bright colors in a beautiful design. Parts detach for safe shipping. Paint colors and patterns may vary from the carving shown. This Oaxacan woodcarving Alebrije is by Rogelio Blas F.
SKU: WD-1_040$89.00 -
Chupacabra Alebrijes
Size: 12 inches long x 12 inches tall x 9 inches wide
The Chupacabra Alebrije figure represents the legendary folkloric blood-sucking creature. Handcrafted in the Sierra Norte Mountains north of Oaxaca, by the renowned Blas Alebrijes family. Wings and tail detach for shipping.
SKU: WD-1_002$139.00 -
Purple Sitting Cat Alebrije
Size: 4.5 inches tall
This purple sitting cat alebrije is handcrafted and signed by Roberta Angeles. It is right facing with its head tilted back. The tail detaches for shipping.
SKU: WD-2_05$22.00 -
Stretching Cat Alebrije
Size: 5.5-inch long
This Stretching Cat Alebrije is handcrafted in Oaxaca by Roberta Angeles Ojeda. It is painted red with a floral design. The tail detaches for shipping. It is signed.
SKU: WD-2_08$22.00 -
Snail Alebrije
SIZE: 7 inches long
This Snail Alebrije is a Oaxacan carving by Javier Blas. Decorated in cheerful colors of pink and blue with geometric detailing.
SKU: WD-4_11$45.00 -
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 Armadillo Alebrije
Size: 2.5 inches long
Miniature Armadillo Alebrije comes in an array of bright colors. Tail detaches for shipping. Made by Joaquin Hernandez in Oaxaca, Mexico. These make great stocking stuffers or party favors.
SKU: WD-8_05$8.95 -
Snail, Oaxacan Alebrije by Blas Family, 6.5-inch long
Oaxacan woodcarving by Medardo Blas
Snail with blue, green and black shell measures 6.5 inches long
SKU: WD-4_01$45.00 -
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$70.00 -
Turtle Alebrije
Size: 9 inches long
This Turtle Alebrije has a bright turquoise body with a multicolored shell. It is a collectible. Handcrafted and beautifully painted by Tribus Mixes Collective. Signed by the artist.
SKU: WD-7_32$60.00 -
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 -
Alebrije Fantasy Figure
Size: 8 inches tall
The Alebrije Carving is made in Oaxaca by the Blas family. Each is a unique color pattern. The ears, tail, and wings detach for safe shipping.
SKU: WD-8_07$45.00 -
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 -
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 -
Brown Bat Alebrije
Size: 6.5 inches tall x 15 inches wide
This Brown Bat Alebrije wood carving is handcrafted in Oaxaca by Lauro Ramirez.
SKU: WD-1_018$135.00 -
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 -
Scorpion Wood Carving
Size: 7 inches long x 8 inches wide
Our Scorpion Wood Carving is made in Oaxacan by M. Carmela Blas. It is sturdy and colorful. Legs and claws detach for shipping.
SKU: WD-5_04$59.00 -
Red Raccoon Alebrije Carving, 8-inch
Oaxacan wood carving by Lauro Ramirez and Griselda Ramirez. Note the fine detail in hand-painted geometric color patterns. Signed by the artist.
Raccoon measures 8 inches long by 6 inches tall. Tail detaches for safe shipping.
SKU: WD-1_029$129.00 -
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 -
Orange Cat Alebrije
Size: 5 inches tall
This Orange Cat Alebrije is carved, painted and signed by Roberta Angeles. This sitting cat is left facing with its head tilted back. It is painted orange with a floral design. Tail detaches for shipping.
SKU: WD-2_23$23.00 -
Rat Woodcarving
Size: 4 inches tall
This Rat Woodcarving is painted with metallic brown and silver paint. Designs may vary slightly between individual carvings. By the Tribus Mixes studio in Oaxaca. Each piece is signed by the artist. The long tail detaches for safe shipping.
SKU: WD-7_035$50.00 -
Miniature Tropical Fish Alebrije
Size: 2.5 inches long
These Miniature Tropical Fish Alebrijes are made in Oaxaca by Joaquin Hernandez. Each one is uniquely painted in bright colors. They make great stocking stuffers or party favors! Each is sealed in its own tiny plastic bag.
SKU: WD-8_06$8.95