geometric patterns

Playful and flexible, otters represent the vibrant nature of the rivers with their unique personalities, inspiring Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez from Mexico to adapt them to the traditional alebrije style. Using a refreshing palette of iris and mint hues, this sweet copal wood otter figurine has a geometric pattern all over its body, creating an enchanting accent for your home decor.

Playful and flexible, otters represent the lively nature of the rivers with their unique personalities, inspiring Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez from Mexico to adapt them to the traditional alebrije style. Using a refreshing palette of carmine and purple hues, this adorable copal wood otter figurine has a geometric pattern all over its body, creating a charming accent for your home decor.

Playful and flexible, otters represent the joyous nature of the rivers with their unique personalities, inspiring Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez from Mexico to adapt them to the traditional alebrije style. Using a refreshing palette of mint and purple hues, this cute copal wood otter figurine has a geometric pattern all over its body, creating a captivating accent for your home decor.

Arlen Estrada hand-crafts this fabulous lady from ceramic and clads her in a skirt decorated with her signature geometric patterns. She'll look fantastic as a dining table centerpiece or adding a splash of color to your shelves. Arlen is known for ultra-modern geometric designs that bring a breath of fresh air to traditional techniques. She has grown her passion for the arts into running her own workshop, D'Abstracto, in Managua, Nicaragua.

Looking every bit the product of a fever dream that alebrijes are, this outlandishly-decorated owl sculpture is crafted by hand from copal wood by Mexican artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez. "Mastering the art of alebrijes requires practice, discipline and much love," says Jesus. "Roxana is expert at decorating the sculptures and her delicate hands convey beauty, from fine geometric patterns to flowers. Her designs are unique and elegantly detailed."

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.

Accented with geometric details resembling traditional Armenian textiles, this modern sculpture illustrates the loyal and patient side of the region. Also known for its calm attitude, this linden wood donkey is crafted by Vahe Mnacakanyan, whose talent and expertise allow him to add a minimalist style to the sculpture. As a graceful touch, the artwork comes with a base and a polished finish, enhancing the natural wood hue and grain pattern.

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.

Vibrant pigments dance across sustainably-harvested copal wood in this remarkable alebrije-style owl figurine where ancient Oaxacan artistry meets modern ecological consciousness. The sculpture's surface blooms with traditional patterns meticulously hand-painted by artisans Eugenia and Roberto Sosa, whose commitment to preserving copal trees ensures only fallen branches become these magnificent works of art. Each decorative element carries deep cultural significance, transforming raw wood into a powerful symbol of Mexican artistic legacy.

Traditional Oaxacan alebrije artistry reaches new heights in this spectacular hand-painted sculpture of a coiled snake, where copal wood transforms into a kaleidoscope of cultural expression. Mexican artisans Eugenia and Roberto Sosa's dedication to authentic techniques shines through every meticulously applied brushstroke while their environmentally responsible harvesting methods protect copal trees by utilizing only naturally fallen branches. The result is a breathtaking figurine adorned with ancestral patterns that pulse with life and meaning.

Bold traditional motifs explode across the hand-painted surface of this exceptional alebrije-style figurine in the shape of a frog, carved from sustainably-harvested copal wood that honors both artistic heritage and ecological responsibility. Mexican artisans Eugenia and Roberto Sosa's meticulous attention to detail brings ancient Oaxacan patterns to brilliant life, while their commitment to using only fallen branches ensures the precious copal trees continue to thrive. This remarkable decorative accent stands as a powerful celebration of Mexican cultural artistry and environmental stewardship.