Ram Alebrije – Zapotec Toná – Native Carving Signed by Jesús Morales

This incredibly intricate and detailed alebrije from the studio of master alebrije artist, Don Jesus Morales in the eastern Costa Region of Oaxaca represents the ram toná. It is carved from the wood of the Copal Macho tree native to Oaxaca. It is much heavier than a normal alebrije made from Copal Wood.

This piece, meant to represent strength and honor is covered in the Zapotec symbols for “maximum power” and shelter/protection” among others.

This piece is 11 inches tall and 8 inches long, and took months to carve, cure, and paint. It has a commanding presence.

Human cultures in the past believed in the existence of a duality between man and nature, in which a person might adopt the attributes, traits, or abilities of an animal with whom they shared a spiritual connection. This isn’t unique to Oaxaca. Egyptian, Sioux, Apache, and First Nation peoples of current-day Canada all shared similar beliefs.
Toná was the name the Zapotecs gave to the guardian animal, and it was identified with each individual from the day of their birth. When a child was born, the father drew a circle of lime and mezcal at the house’s entrance to learn the child’s toná.

The circle was left overnight, and the scent of it attracted spirits in the form of animals. The father would go outside the next morning and look for the animal’s tracks that had been protecting the entrance all night. Throughout the child’s existence, the animal that corresponds to those tracks would be the child’s protective toná.
Still in existence today is a Zapotec calendar that recognizes 20 tonás which include the jaguar, the eagle, the serpent, the frog, the dog, the hummingbird, the owl, the turtle, the mockingbird, the iguana, the possum, the chameleon, and many more.

This stunning ram is made in the fashion to honor the traditional Zapotec toná. It is intricately painted in beautiful vibrant colors, and would look amazing on display in your home or office.

We have commissioned many more pieces from Señor Morales, as his style and craftsmanship along with his gentle and friendly manner has really endeared him to us. His excitement for his traditional art combined with his talent make this young artist one that is destined to become incredibly popular and collectible in the years to come.

We make sure everything is purchased so that a fair trade and living wage can be achieved by the artists. We do not haggle, and we do not ask for volume discounts. Our mission is to bring beautiful pieces here that we love, and we think others will love while supporting the amazing artists in Oaxaca.