Elegant Armadillo - Oaxacan Alebrije Wood Carving

Elegant armadillo wood carving by top husband & wife Oaxacan artists Soledad and Neri Cruz. Carved from a single block of wood. This jaguar is decorated with traditional Oaxacan Zapotec patterns in black and gold detail over an elegant orange palette. 

The decorative patterns found on this piece are locally known as "grecas" and can be found at the pyramids of Mitla and Monte Alban in Oaxaca. These patterns are the benchmark of the indigenous Zapotec civilization. These grecas patterns are so meticulously and finely painted that an agave thorn was used instead of a brush in order to provide the fine lines that a traditional brush can't produce.
The beautiful painting work makes this Oaxacan wood carving armadillo alebrije unique & valuable.

Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico 

Length/Height/Width: 10.5" x 4.25" x 3" 

Material: Copal wood

Signed by the artist