Summary
Highlights
Alebrijes are internationally recognized Mexican handicrafts that combine features of real and imaginary animals. Their creator was Pedro Linares, who in 1936, while ill, dreamed of colorful, mixed-shaped creatures that called themselves 'Alebrijes'. Upon recovering, he began to sculpt these creatures.
Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo were captivated by Linares' creations and commissioned more. Rivera stated only Linares could make the figures he wanted, and this collection is now in the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City. The art gained wider fame through a 1975 documentary directed by Judith Bronowski.
Alebrijes are made using the 'cartonería' technique, which involves modeling paper (like newspaper and cardboard) over a wire or reed structure. This is then covered with papier-mâché and paste. Once dry, details like eyes, wings, and claws are added, followed by a white base coat and then vibrant, detailed paintwork, often with dots and lines. Each Alebrije is unique as no molds are used.
In Oaxaca, Alebrijes carved from copal wood are famous, blending local traditions with Pedro Linares' style. Some regions use natural pigments from materials like copal ash, cochinilla, or huitlacoche. Communities like San Antonio Arrazola, San Martín Tilcajete, and La Unión Tejalapan are known for their artisan families dedicated to Alebrije creation.
Alebrijes are believed to ward off evil spirits and are considered symbols of good luck. Since 2007, the Museum of Popular Art, in collaboration with the Mexico City government and other institutions, organizes a monumental Alebrije parade called 'Noche de los Alebrijes' to promote artisan work. Alebrijes are now created across Mexico and exported worldwide, showcasing the importance of Mexican artisanal work.