This  Oaxacan Alebrije wood carving is a beautifully painted snake. It was hand crafted in Oaxaca by Zapotec indigenous people and carved from a single block of copal wood, which is considered as sacred.  The snake is carved and decorated with the traditional Oaxacan patterns in a beautiful greeen, black & brown palette.

Such patterns, commonly known as "grecas"  can be found at the decoration of the pyramids of Mitla and Monte Albán. The grecas are so meticulously painted that an agave thorn was used is used instead of a brush for the thiner strokes.

Coco, the movie; did a thorough research and a beautiful representation of this Mexican tradition in the movie Dante is a Xoloiscuintli that helps Miguel to cross to the word of the dead. 

As shown in the movie; Zapotec indigenous people believe that every person has a guardian or spiritual guide. Such protectors are called Tonas and are linked to the qualities of a particular animal. This snake alebrije represents health and audacity. 

 

 

HEIGHT	0.98 In / 2.5cm
LENGHT	15.55 In / 39.5cm
WIDTH	2.75 In / 7cm
APROX. WEIGHT	4.02 Oz / 114gr
MADE OF	Copal Wood
REGION	San Martin, Oaxaca
TECHNIQUE	Carved from a single block of Copal Wood, hand painted.
SKU	WA2015
COMMENTS	Signed  by the artist, Clean with a soft dry cloth