Folk Art of the Mexican State of Oaxaca Oaxacan Animals Folk Art of the Mexican State of Oaxaca

The History of the Oaxacan Art In the 1930s, Pedro Linares broke from his tradition of making pinatas and started creating elaborate decorative pieces that represented imaginary creatures he called alebrijes. The alebrije name is often used in reference to the fanciful woodcarvings created by artists in Oaxaca, Mexico. These popular folk art wood sculptures are also known as animalitos, monos, or simply figuras[3]. While most share the bright colors and fanciful subjects popularized by Linares work, individual artists generally have very distinctive carving and painting styles.

About the hand-carved alebrije… The Zapotec Indians of the Oaxaca Valley in the southern Mexican State of Oaxaca (pronounced Wah Ha Kah) are the artists of this unique and intriguing art form. The woodworking techniques and artistic capacity of the Zapotec people have been refined over generations. Carved from the Copal Tree when the wood is green, this art comes from the three villages--Arrazola, San Martin Tilcajete and La Union Tejalapan in the State of Oaxaca. The wooden sculptures are hand carved then hand sanded and hand painted in their characteristically bright colors. Traditionally, the men are the carvers--the carving is done during the "off" season for farming. Many times, the entire family participates in the creation of the carvings. The women are often the painters of the decorative figures.

Alebrije Alebrije is the spanish name for fantastical creatures, and is more commonly applied to the hand-carved figures of the Oaxacan folk artists in Mexico

Things to know… Line: a segment from one point to another Pattern: a set of designs or lines repeated in a set Repetition: repeating one line or image more than once Shape: a 2D design (stick figures) Form: a 3D design, to be seen from all around (you are a form)

Color Palettes Warm colors Cool colors Complimentary colors Analogous colors

Story-telling Alebrije usually are based on a myth or a folklore surrounding that creature. They tell the story of how that creature earned its characteristics. The colors and the stance of the creature tells the story. What will your story be?

Example story… This is “Bird Watcher” the gato who sat outside under the tree for years, watching over and protecting the family of birds who rescued him from a great flood. He shows the characteristic of perseverance and loyalty.

How to Make a Paper Mache Animal… Build an Armature out of newspaper and tape Armature: the base structure of a 3D sculpture (the “Frame”) Make sure all parts are secure & smooth Cover the armature with strips of paper mache Allow to dry Paint with patterns and designs

Get out those sketchbooks and let’s get to work! Now It’s Your Turn!!! Get out those sketchbooks and let’s get to work!

Resources http://www.oaxacafinecarvings.com/ http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/Lessons/7-alebrijes.htm