Chicken Iguana Sculpture

These art pieces carved in wood are called “tonas and nahuales” in native language and are known worldwide as ALEBRIJES. The cultural heritage of the region of Oaxaca, Mexico is manifested in the iconography that is used to decorate every piece. Prehispanic symbology and other designs are part of the unique style that has been developed over the years. The artists can honor and share the Zapotec culture in every piece they create. The woodcarvers need to study the woodblocks in order to find the hidden nahual or alebrije that rests inside. With their imagination, dreams and senses the artist is able to discover the fantastic creature that has been patiently waiting inside the tree. Then by using the machete they start giving shape to a new and unique creation. The pieces that we sell are one of a kind and you will not find two of them the same. By the time the carver finishes the pieces, it takes observation and a long treatment process for keeping the quality of the wood. After that, with the help of artistic hands that apply the vibrant colors and patterns, the zapotec origins start to own the wooden piece. The Copal is a tree considered sacred from wich artists obtain the wood to carve their sculptures. It has the properties of protection and good vibes where it´s placed. The process to make one alebrije can take as long as two years since the cutdown of the tree until the last varnish of the scuplture.

Sculpture:Wood on Wood

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:7.5 W x 11.5 H x 7.5 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.