This is an authentic Oaxacan wood carving. It depicts a jaguar, the sacred animal for the Mesomerican civilizations considered as a symbol of power and prosperity by indigenous cultures. 

It was crafted from a single block of copal wood in San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca. The jaguar is beautifully painted in fucshia and blue tones and decorated with traditional patterns. Such decorative patterns, commonly known as "grecas"  can be found at the pyramids of Mitla and Monte Alban, benchmark of the pre hispanic Zapotec civilization. 

The grecas are so meticulously painted, that an agave cactus thorn was used instead of a brush for the thiner strokes. The jaguar has a small hole at the bottom for wall hanging.

The beautiful painting and the excellent wood carving make this Oaxacan jaguar head alebrije unique and valuable.