OAXACAN WOOD CARVING

OAXACAN WOOD CARVING

All throughout the various villages of Mexico, you will find various forms of whimsical art. Oaxacan wood carvings are carved from the Copal tree while the wood is still green. The name of the art originates from the State of Oaxaca (Wa-HAH-Ka), specifically in the villages of Arrazola, La Union Tejalapan, and San Martin Tilcajete. Interestingly, this area of Mexico is quite large but in a state of poverty. Even so, the folk art traditions are considered among the most creative and richest in the world.

These wood carvings are extremely popular and because of their movement, humor, and vibrant colors, they look great in any home, office, or as a gift! The design of each carving comes from the carver’s own superstition and imagination. Since magic and myth are a huge part of the culture in this region, the Oaxacan wood carvings can be dramatic in design.

Some of the options include lizards, which are common in Mexico, along with demon creatures, gazelles, pelicans, frogs, cats, dragonflies, and roosters, all favorites. After the shape has been carved, the carver painstakingly sands it down and then paints bright colors and unique designs, making many of the designs appear realistic. Most Oaxacan wood carvings are quite complex, comprised of flowing tails, intricate detailing, and creative artistry.

The originality seen in each Oaxacan wood carving is unsurpassed in wizardry and color. Because of the time and effort the carvers put into these creations, they are considered prized possessions. Most of the Oaxacan wood carvings are known as Alebrijes, which are created by Zapotec Indians who live primarily in southern Mexico, down in the Oaxaca Valley. The techniques and ability of these people dates back hundreds of generations. In fact, the legend is so wide spread that in 1991, the Oaxacan wood carvings graced the cover of Smithsonian Magazine.

In the Oaxaca Valley, you will find just a few hundred families that consist of poor farmers. To pass the time in the fields, they work on carvings. In addition to a great pastime, many of these villagers believe in gods and rituals, using Oaxacan wood carvings as a way of keeping the culture alive. Although many of the people in the Oaxaca Valley are skilled carvers, the most legendary is a man named Manuel Jimenez. As the pioneer of this amazing art form, today five of his own grandsons are carrying on the tradition.

Even more interesting is that the tools used to create the Oaxacan wood carvings are not sophisticated, often referred to as “crude.” Typically, the carver begins with a large piece of the wood, cutting it down with a machete. As the piece of wood becomes smaller, rustic knives are used to being the detailing process. These carvings have a mysterious nature about them, depicting everyday life of the villagers along with their strong religious beliefs. Whether buying a rabbit, iguana, monkey, tiger, burro, pig, peacock, coyote, or porcupine, you will love the cheer it brings to any room.