Cat of the Sun Mexico Oaxaca Folk Art Alebrije Mystical Cat Sculpture

Cat of the Sun Mexico Oaxaca Folk Art Alebrije Mystical Cat SculptureThe sun illuminates a mysterious yellow cat, while sunflowers and hummingbirds decorate its body. Invoking the power of Old Sol, Zeny and Reyna transform found pieces of copal wood into an exquisite alebrije. These fanciful sculptures are a traditional folk art in Oaxaca, once based on twenty totems but today representing all kinds of animals. They take their name from a Cal gypsy word for 'something difficult, tangled, confusing or fantastic.'

The sun illuminates a mysterious yellow cat, while sunflowers and hummingbirds decorate its body. Invoking the power of Old Sol, Zeny and Reyna transform found pieces of copal wood into an exquisite alebrije. These fanciful sculptures are a traditional folk art in Oaxaca, once based on twenty totems but today representing all kinds of animals. They take their name from a Caló gypsy word for 'something difficult, tangled, confusing or fantastic.'

Because each alebrije is individually created work of folk art, shapes will vary slightly. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

• materials: Copal wood
• Signed by the artist
• Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
• Warning: Choking Hazard. Small parts -- not for children under 3 years.