Neftalí Martínez Villanueva is a dedicated artisan from Oaxaca who hand carves and paints his wood creastions called alebrijes. Sizes of Neftalí's alebrijes range from miniature to 2 meters high — deer, gazelle, giraffs, elephants, cactus, turtles, butterflies, grasshoppers, iguanas and a variety of orchids and much more.

He belongs to a cooperative of carvers called Tribes Mixes. Some carvers are students that work when they are able on their carving, while others work at their art full-time.

The Oaxacan tradition of woodcarving alebrijes goes back generations, but it is only in the past decade that the colorful figures have become popular with collectors worldwide.

What started with a few families has almost taken over the economy of three main pueblos that produce alebrijes. The dusty, rocky roads that used to lead into the villages have now been neatly paved. The prosperity from the carvings is a dramatic turn-around for these villages where 15 years ago, many people were struggling to make a living.

The carvings are made from the twisted branches of the copalillo tree, which grows on the hills around the valley. The wood has a sweet odor, and its copal resin has been burned in incense burners since ancient times. It is still an essential element at religious celebrations and such festivals as the Day of the Dead. Copal wood is easy to carve when it is green.

Today, as in the past, the carvers do most of their whittling with machetes or pocket knives. Then, they leave the carving to dry in the sun. After three days, it becomes lightweight and sands to a smooth finish. Before painting, some carvers apply a sealer to the wood to protect it from insects; others recommend freezing the finished carving after purchase, to kill any eggs which may still be in the wood.

Contact information:
Neftali Martinez Villanueva
Libramiento Norte #98
Trinidad de Viguera
951 547 9321

Or contact Marianne Carlson at 01152 376 765 7485 or email mariannecarlson@gmail.com

(Our thanks to Karen Henderson & Teresa Kendrick for the use of their photographs)