An exquisite 'nahual' (pronounced [na'wal]) wood carving by artists Jesus and Roxana Hernandez of Oaxaca, Mexico. This imposing piece took 3 months to carve and paint. Decorated in their characteristic 'scale' pattern, it has skilfully inset glass eyes.
According to pre-hispanic traditions, a nahual is a human being who has the power to transform either spiritually or physically into an animal form. They are seen as protectors of the people and the natural resources.
Dimensions: 17cm (w) x 36cm (d) x 35cm (h)
Weight: 1.2kg
A black and white racoon with captivating eyes by young artist Giovanni Melchor, who trained with one of the grand masters of Oaxacan wood carving, Jacobo Angeles. Giovanni is a gifted carver and painter who stands out for his experimentation with style and technique.
(body - 1 piece)
Dimensions: 8cm (w) x 18.5cm (d) x 12.5cm (h)
Weight: 0.5kg
A strikingly carved and beautifully painted bear by artist Ray Mendez. It has the body of a bear and a lizard's tail.
Hand-made in Oaxaca, Mexico
Dimensions: 15cm (w) x 20cm (d) x 34cm (h)
Weight: 1kg
Distinctively decorated in blue, this 'alebrije' has the face of a monkey and the body of a dog!
Dimensions: 3cm (w) x 7cm (d) x 9cm (h)
Weight: 0.04kg