Alebrijes are a type of Mexican folk art that originated in Oaxaca, Mexico. They are brightly colored sculptures of fantastical creatures that are made from copal wood and painted with intricate designs. The art of making alebrijes is a family tradition that has been passed down for generations in the town of San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca.
The creation of alebrijes is a complex process that involves carving the wood into the desired shape, sanding it down to a smooth finish, and then painting it with bright colors and intricate designs. The designs are often inspired by animals found in nature, as well as mythical creatures from Mexican folklore.
The tradition of making alebrijes dates back to the 1930s when a man named Pedro Linares fell ill and had a vivid dream about strange creatures that were half-animal and half-human. He saw these creatures shouting the word “alebrijes” at him, and when he recovered from his illness, he began to create sculptures of these creatures out of paper-mâché.
Today, alebrijes are an important part of Mexican culture and are celebrated throughout the country. They are often used in parades and festivals, and many people collect them as works of art. In Oaxaca, there is even a museum dedicated to alebrijes called the Museo de Arte Popular de Oaxaca.
In conclusion, alebrijes are an important part of Mexican folk art that originated in Oaxaca. They are brightly colored sculptures of fantastical creatures that are made from copal wood and painted with intricate designs. The tradition of making alebrijes dates back to the 1930s when Pedro Linares created sculptures of strange creatures he saw in his dreams. Today, alebrijes are an important part of Mexican culture and are celebrated throughout the country.
Source: OEM
