This Oaxacan wood carving is a fine sample of Mexican surrealism, color and magic. It is a fusion between an owl  (head) and an armadillo  (body).  The carving is outstanding with a perfectly crafted texture on the shell and a marvelous circular composition created by the gesture of the hand on the tail position, which is also a display of fine wood carving. It was made from a single block of copal wood in San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca. 

Zapotec indigenous people did this outstanding wooden alebrije.

The owl-armadillo alebrije was beautifully decorated with traditional patterns known as grecas. The grecas are so meticulously painted, that an agave cactus thorn was used instead of a brush for the thiner strokes.

The color  palette has a predominant brown tone on the body with a green on the shell that create the perfect contrast.   The beautiful painting and the excellent wood carving make this Oaxacan owl-armadillo fusion alebrije  collectible, unique and valuable.