Bird-Like Papier Mache Alebrije Sculpture, "Colorful Bird"

This unique papier mache alebrije sculpture is crafted by Marina Lozano in Mexico. The artisan creates her fantastical version of a bird, with enormous bug-like eyes and a long neck and tail. Designed to grace the edge of a bookshelf or table, the creature is painted by hand in bright colors and varied patterns.

The folk art tradition of alebrijes dates back to the 1930's in Mexico City. A man named Pedro Linares was taken ill, and in his fevered dreams he saw a strange land populated with curious creatures--a donkey with wings, a rooster with bull's horns, and a lion with the head of a dog. The beasts all shouted "alebrije! alebrije!". Upon his recovery, Linares began recreating the fantastical creatures he had seen in his dream. The art form gained popularity, and alebrijes are now made of wood as well as papier mache.