Oaxacan woodcarvings, also known as alebrijes, have been a tradition for generations in several small villages outside the capital of Oaxaca, Mexico. Only in the past 35 years have they become popular, and are now collected worldwide. Using rudimentary tools, these artists create fascinating figures out of green, fresh-cut copal wood. After drying and sanding, the carvings are painted, limited only by each artist’s imagination.
