Mexican Sculptures Oaxacan Woodcarvings Vs. Papier Mache Alebrijes

COPAL TREE This unique wood can only be found in the southeast region of Mexico known as Oaxaca. For this reason, the trees are farmed to insure continued stock for the Oaxacan artists to carve.

The copal wood is easy to carve, light weight and doesn’t crack when it dries. A simple pocket knife and machete are the only tools used to carve these complex animal forms. Some animals are carved from a single piece of wood some have assembled parts.

Once the carvings are completed and the wood is allowed to dry, the women typically do the complex painting of patterns that aesthetically enhance the surface of the Oaxacan Wood Carvings. Some men paint, but only a few.

Professional Examples of Oaxacan Wood Carvings

More examples

Examine all angles

Same animal, different results from contrasting use of patterns and color schemes.

PATTERNS: organic vs. geometric color vs. black and white planned vs. random Use both complex and simple patterns for visual interest and contrast of design

TEXTURE as PATTERN

Student Examples

Student examples

Paper mache process

Last layer is paper towels

Once the form is completed you are ready to begin the first layer of color

Add complex patterns to completed form

It’s all about the details using complex patterns and blended colors