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Multicolored Wood Snail Alebrije Figurine from Mexico, "Rainbow Snail"

Product ID: 312669

Husband and wife duo Zeny and Reyna from Oaxaca grew up with the tradition of carving alebrijes (fantastical figurines of real and imagined animals);... more

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Husband and wife duo Zeny and Reyna from Oaxaca grew up with the tradition of carving alebrijes (fantastical figurines of real and imagined animals); both of their parents were master carvers in that region's traditional folk art. Here they create a wonderfully colorful snail in great detail. The snail is carved by hand from copal wood and painted in a wide array of meticulous patterns.

Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.It is said that Oaxaca's alebrije tradition descends directly from Mexico City artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he became seriously ill and fell into a sort of coma. While he was unconscious, he had a most fantastic dream. 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, and when Linares woke up, he recreated these figures in vivid colors using papier mache techniques and called them alebrijes . His work became famous and eventually influenced artisans in the state of Oaxaca who decided to craft alebrijes using traditional wood carving methods and according to that region's world vision.

  • 0.12 kgs
  • 0.3 lbs
  • 3.9" H x 6" W x 3.5" D
  • 3.9" H x 6" W x 3.5" D

  • Copal wood
  • Signed by the artist
  • Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
  • Warning: Choking Hazard. Small parts -- not for children under 3 years.
  • Made in Mexico
  • Certified and shipped by our office in Mexicoicon info
  • Product ID: 312669
Zeny and Reyna
Zeny and Reyna

Mexico

Handcrafted alebrije sculptures

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Customer Reviews

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Artist rating

Total reviews

334

Pat

Verified Reviewer

Oct 11, 2021

Beautiful”

Well-made and vibrant

Decor

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Therese

Verified Reviewer

May 06, 2021

Splendid!”

This snail is so lovely in person. The colors are rich and alive!

Enjoyment

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Nanette

Verified Reviewer

Apr 23, 2021

Cute but too large”

Love the detail, just a lot larger than I expected, kind of out of proportion.

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Lois

Verified Reviewer

Jun 13, 2025

I love this Hummingbird”

I love this wooden hummingbird, I hung it from my Ceiling Fan/light. In the pic attached, it rotates when I have the fan turned out. I am extremely happy with my purchase. Thank you!

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Kathy

Verified Reviewer

Feb 08, 2025

so adorable”

the cutest little alebrije - beautifully carved and painted

Purchased Item Cute Rhino in Pink, Mexican Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Rhino Figurine in Pink

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Judy

From OH

Verified Reviewer

Oct 08, 2024

Love my new Zeny and Reyna hummingbird!”

This will be a Christmas gift for me -- a gift from my cat (my cats have always known exactly what I want). Zenys and Reynas pieces are incredible - Exquisite painted details. I have purchased many for myself and many to give as gifts.

Purchased Item Cyan Flight, Painted Cyan Copal Wood Alebrije Hummingbird Oornament

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Your Purchase Makes a Difference!

Preserving Traditions

Preserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Microcredit Financing

Microcredit Financing

Zeny and Reyna has received 2 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $1200 and the most recent for $2500.

Caring for Children

Caring for Children

This artist supports children under the age of 18.

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