San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca

Jorge Cristales Vasquez from San Martin Tilcajete Oaxaca Mexico continues the Oaxacan art of Alebrijes, wood carvings created using copal wood. This wood can be sanded down to a fine porcelain finish. This smoothness creates a surface perfect for painting the intricate designs on the surface of Alebrijes. The tradition of these whimsical carvings that depict animals, people, objects, and imaginary creatures painted with intense colors and intricate patterns started to appear around the 1940s. Jorge continues this intricate art form today.