star ornaments

The Feathered-Serpent deity of ancient Mesoamerican culture, known as Quetzalcoatl, is the star of this exceptional alebrije figurine that pays homage to traditional Mexican folk art in a most captivating manner. The vivid hues and intricate motifs that adorn this decorative accent are the handiwork of artisans Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez, who also carve by hand this splendid figurine from copal wood.

Artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez of Mexico hand-paint this charming hummingbird alebrije ornament sky blue with red details on the tail and multicolor designs on the body. Hanging from a yellow ribbon, the bird is crafted from copal wood. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

The alebrije tradition started with Mexico City papier mache artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he fell into a coma due to serious illness. While he was unconscious, he dreamed he was caught between the land of the living and the dead; the place looked like a forest and was populated with creatures with body parts belonging to different animals. The beings repeatedly uttered the word alebrije. Upon recovering, Linares recreated these figures in bright colors using papier mache techniques and called them alebrijes. His work became famous and was one of the main influences of artisans in the state of Oaxaca who began crafting alebrijes of their own using traditional wood carving methods.

Painted in stunning shades of deep lavender and honey gold, this alebrijereflects the vibrant culture of Mexico. Jesus and Roxana Hernandez craft the iguana from copal wood and decorate it with detailed designs.

The alebrije tradition started with Mexico City papier mache artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he fell into a coma due to serious illness. While he was unconscious, he dreamed he was caught between the land of the living and the dead; the place looked like a forest and was populated with creatures with body parts belonging to different animals. The beings repeatedly uttered the word alebrije. Upon recovering, Linares recreated these figures in bright colors using papier mache techniques and called them alebrijes. His work became famous and was one of the main influences of artisans in the state of Oaxaca who began crafting alebrijes of their own using traditional wood carving methods.

Meticulously painted by hand in vivid hues and a variety of patterns, this two-humped camel exemplifies the alebrije tradition of Oaxaca, Mexico. Handcrafted by Jesus and Roxana Hernandez, the decorative sculpture is made of copal wood. The Mexican artisans want to bring attention to the amazing handicrafts the wood carvers of their village are capable of producing, and Jesus recognizes that as he and Roxana carve and decorate these imaginary creatures, "...we contribute toward making our community more prosperous."

The alebrije tradition started with Mexico City papier mache artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he fell into a coma due to serious illness. While he was unconscious, he dreamed he was caught between the land of the living and the dead; the place looked like a forest and was populated with creatures with body parts belonging to different animals. The beings repeatedly uttered the word alebrije. Upon recovering, Linares recreated these figures in bright colors using papier mache techniques and called them alebrijes. His work became famous and was one of the main influences of artisans in the state of Oaxaca who began crafting alebrijes of their own using traditional wood carving methods.

Geometric checkerboard designs adorn each of the four legs of this eye-catching alebrije camel sculpture from artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez of Oaxaca. Carved by hand from copal wood, the two-humped camel is decorated in vivid tones to give it that unreal and strange appearance that is characteristic of alebrijes. The Mexican duo want to help preserve this tradition which, as Jesus states, helps, "...stop the migration of artisans to cities to find work."

The alebrije tradition started with Mexico City papier mache artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he fell into a coma due to serious illness. While he was unconscious, he dreamed he was caught between the land of the living and the dead; the place looked like a forest and was populated with creatures with body parts belonging to different animals. The beings repeatedly uttered the word alebrije. Upon recovering, Linares recreated these figures in bright colors using papier mache techniques and called them alebrijes. His work became famous and was one of the main influences of artisans in the state of Oaxaca who began crafting alebrijes of their own using traditional wood carving methods.