Alebrijes are vibrant, hand-crafted sculptures that blend elements of real and fantastical animals, born from the rich artistic traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Though the term “alebrije” was first coined by artist Pedro Linares in the 1930s in Mexico City, Oaxacan artisans reinterpreted the concept using their own ancestral woodcarving techniques, turning it into a unique cultural expression.
In Zapotec communities, these figures are often seen as spiritual guardians or
nahuales—animal protectors connected to a person’s soul. Each alebrije carries deep symbolism, representing creativity, identity, and the connection between the natural and spiritual worlds.
Today, Oaxacan alebrijes are celebrated globally as both art and living tradition, passed down through generations with pride and reverence.
