carvings

Decorating the top of this African mask, the figure of an eagle is hand-carved from sese wood. Ghanaian artisan Kwasi George creates this mask, which depicts a face with lidded eyes and an open mouth. A finish of brown and red completes this mask.

Alebrijes are often a hybrid of real animals, such as elephants and crocodiles, or they can be more fantastical creatures, such as dragons. Artisan Teresita Gonzalez of Xoxocotlan in the Mexican state of Oaxaca creates an elaborately hand carved copal wood alebrije dragonfly, or libelula. The insect is beautifully painted in bold red with accents of black, blue and yellow. 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.

Symbolizing the coming of spring in dead winter, Ira S.'s statuette will look perfectly cozy in both seasons. Balinese artisans use local suar wood to hand carve the robin, painting its features in carefully blended hues of orange and brown. Perched on an albesia wood snowman, this bird is ready for warm weather.

Symbolizing hope, renewal, and rebirth, the robin on Ira S.'s adorable sculpture sings a happy tune. Indonesian artisans use local suar wood to hand carve the bird, painting its features in blended hues of red, brown, and yellow. Perched on an albesia wood mailbox, the robin makes a charming companion.

The stylized curves of this handsome sculpture are balanced and harmonious. Carving sese wood, George Obeng depicts a man from the Dagomba tribe of northern Ghana. These people are characterized by a long, narrow face, which Obeng exaggerates for a modern effect.

Gulam Rasool evokes Agra elegance with an oil warmer resembling an ancient temple standing on owl pillars. Rasool carves the oil warmer by hand from soapstone, expertly preserving the stone's natural color as he details the owls and the leafy openwork or jali.

Carved in the shape of a dolphin, this copal wood sculpture is hand painted in the traditional style of alebrijes, a folk art form originating in Oaxaca. Jesus and Roxana Hernandez cover the sculpture with a dizzying array of motifs in red, orange, aqua and white.

A delightful piece of decor, this alebrije cricket statuette is painted in bright shades of yellow and red. Mexican artisans Pablo and Lucy Mendez handcraft the cricket from copal wood. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

It is said that Oaxaca's alebrije tradition descends directly from Mexico City papier mache 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.

Subtle color distinguishes these beautiful fertility dolls. Nana Frimpong depicts a pair of twins. In Ghana, such figures are believed to assist a woman who wants to conceive a baby. Frimpong names the pair Panin (elder twin) and Kakra (younger twin) in the Akan language.

Zeny and Reyna work together to craft this beautiful porcupine alebrije sculpture by hand from copal wood and maguey fibers. They add beautiful hand-painted motifs in red, white and blue for a vibrant addition to any home, reflecting the lively nature of Mexican artisanal traditions.

What better way to feel welcome back home than with this spectacular wood relief panel featuring the most gorgeous floral and leaf motifs? Designed by Balinese Artisan Made Mulyani, the fabulous panel is hand-carved from local suar wood and is painted by hand in hues of red, green, black and gold.

Bring the magic and colors of your garden indoors with this breathtaking wood relief panel hand-carved from suar wood and hand-painted with a unique antique finish. Balinese artisan Made Mulyani designs this extraordinary panel that perfectly captures the splendor and beauty of nature to add warmth to your space.