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Oaxaca boasts of three villages where the population is dedicated to the carving and painting of alebrijes (whimsical figures). Most are subsistent farmers who carve when there is nothing to do in the fields. The whole family works to produce these colorful, fanciful figures.
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A chunk of copal wood is first carved into a figure by the men after which it is sanded and painted with a base coat. Children often assist in this step. Then the women transform the plain wood into flights of fancy. They let the figure guide them as they choose colors and the resultant animal comes to life in a magical way.
Luis Pablo - Woodcarver extraordinaire!
Alejandrino Fuentes
Woodcarving - San Martin Tilcajete
Alejandrino Fuentes first learned to carve small figures out of wood as a young child, and although he studied to become an engineer, his skill and artistry is such that he has devoted himself to continue the tradition of this art form. He not only enjoys the creativity in his work, but he also values the fact that this "profession" allows him to be with his family as they all work together. Alejandrino has frequently been invited to Santa Fe, New Mexico as artist in residence where he demonstrates the carving of his figures, which range from multicolored howling coyotes, to cockeyed roosters, to mystical armadillos.
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 Fanciful alebrijes carved and painted by Alejandrino and Elizabeth Fuentes |
Hand-carved Combs
In addition to the carved figures, Oaxaca offers hand-carved combs. Ours are made from a wood called "naranjo" which has the refreshing aroma of oranges after oil is applied. The combs come in a variety of sizes and besides being useful they make great decorative items. Here they are shown with 2 miniature clay figures.
Musical Instruments, from Pozos and Nayarit
All our instruments are individually handcrafted and carved out of cedar replicating ancient, authentic designs.
