This piece was hand-carved from willow wood and hand-painted. The artist is Ezequiel Aucensio Medina Solís, and he is a master alebrije artisan in San Pedro Ixtlahuaca in the Central Valley region of Oaxaca.

One of the important traditions in Oaxacan art is the alebrije. They resonated deeply with Zapotec and Mixtec artisans who began to bring to life amazingly vibrant animal hybrids and scenes. The art form took such a firm hold in Oaxaca that it’s hard to tell that it hasn’t always been a part of it. Alebrijes can be made of paper or cardboard, but are most commonly made of copal wood. We have been blessed to meet a few extremely talented artisans dotted around the Oaxacan valley. We work directly with them to allow them to gain the highest possible price for their work, and to give us a chance to commission pieces. We want you to know that we strongly believe in a fair and living wage for these amazing artists. We never haggle price. This means sometimes we miss out on amazing pieces that we cannot afford, but we can sleep at night knowing that we aren’t asking artists to put weeks and months into pieces that don’t produce weeks and months worth of wage for them.

Cultural Significance: The armadillo, or ‘Ngupi’ in Zapoteco, is revered for its protective shell and symbolic meanings of fertility and truth. Morales’ alebrije is adorned with symbols like ‘maximum power’ and ‘home/protection,’ each narrating the armadillo’s role in Zapotec lore.

Masterful Artistry: Morales’ expertise shines in the intricate details and vibrant color palette, bringing this ancient guardian to life. Measuring 8″ wide and 10″ long, this piece is a testament to Morales’ dedication, showcased through months of carving and painting.

A Commitment to Fair Trade: In partnering with Morales, we uphold our mission of fair trade and living wages. By choosing this alebrije, you support genuine craftsmanship and contribute to the artist’s thriving future.

Embrace this unique opportunity to own not just a stunning piece of art, but a fragment of Zapotec heritage. With its rich cultural roots and exceptional craftsmanship, this Armadillo Alebrije is poised to become a cherished heirloom in your collection.