Hand-carved copal wood alebrije (small-medium)

Fantastical spirit-animal carvings are Oaxaca's signature folk art — workshop-direct prices are a fifth of what signed pieces fetch abroad.

Price: 800 MXN (Typical workshop price for a 15-20cm carved and hand-painted piece; masters' collector pieces run MX$5,000+)

Where to buy: Family workshops in San Martín Tilcajete (e.g. Jacobo y María Ángeles) and San Antonio Arrazola; Oaxaca City galleries mark up 50-100%

Price checked 2026-07-03

• True Oaxacan alebrijes are carved from copal wood and painted with fine dot-work, often natural pigments; resin/molded copies flood tourist strips
• Ask who carved and who painted it — signed family pieces hold value; a workshop visit usually includes a carving demo
• Finished painted wood clears most customs fine; declare on biosecurity forms where asked