Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca

Assistant name: Luis Valentin Rodriguez Garcia

Esmeralda began learning from her parents this art at the age of 14, and now has six years of experience.

The family workshop is named “Nuestras Raíces” (“Our Roots”) because they represent the third generation to carry on this beautiful legacy. The craft began with her grandfather, who was self-taught. Their family’s specialty is religious figures, nativity scenes in various styles, skulls, and animals.

They are the only family in the region dedicated to creating nativity scenes carved from wood and painted with acrylics. While many towns in Oaxaca focus on alebrijes, none produce the unique pieces that set her family apart.

For that reason, the goal of their workshop is not only to pass these techniques on to their children, but also to new students, so that this knowledge continues. Thanks to their innovative designs and dedication, they have won competitions at the state, national, and even international level.