Handmade Dragonfly Alebrije Figurine in Red from Oaxaca 'Red Dragonfly' Item ID: 2671639492

Name: Handmade Dragonfly Alebrije Figurine in Red from Oaxaca 'Red Dragonfly'
Brand: Teresita Gonzalez
SKU: 2671639492
Price: 69.99 USD
Availability: InStock

$69.99

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About this item

"Alebrijes are often a hybrid of real animals, such as elephants and crocodiles, or they can be more fantastical creatures, such as dragons. Artisan Teresita Gonzalez of Xoxocotlan in the Mexican state of Oaxaca creates an elaborately hand carved copal wood alebrije dragonfly, or libelula. The insect is beautifully painted in bold red with accents of black, blue and yellow. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

It is said that Oaxaca's alebrije tradition descends directly from Mexico City artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he became seriously ill and fell into a sort of coma. While he was unconscious, he had a most fantastic dream. He was caught between the land of the living and the dead; the place looked like a forest and was populated with creatures with body parts belonging to different animals. The beings repeatedly uttered the word alebrije, and when Linares woke up, he recreated these figures in vivid colors using papier mache techniques and called them alebrijes . His work became famous and eventually influenced artisans in the state of Oaxaca who decided to craft alebrijes using traditional wood carving methods and according to that region's world vision."

Item detail

3.28 lb
5 inches H x 5 inches W x 7.3 inches D
0.71 oz
5 inches H x 5 inches W x 7.3 inches D
Copal wood
Hand-crafted item -- color
size and/or motif may vary slightly
Signed by the artist
Some assembly required
Warning: Choking Hazard. Small parts -- not for children under 3 years.

Made in Mexico

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Teresita Gonzalez

5.0 ★ (6)

Latest Update

"My journey in Mexican handicrafts began when I started working with copal wood as a way of therapy to relieve my cancer. I struggled with my inner demons and it was a very difficult time. It was thanks to the alebrijes that I started to come alive again. I understood that my mission is to preserve this art that saved my life. It is something that gives me life, and sharing it with others gives me the assurance of what my mission in life is.

"Besides sharing my crafts, I've been able to help other people with this same condition. And through UNICEF, we have supported causes in favor of children that fill me with pride and encouragement. When I overcame cancer I said, 'with my crafts I want to help other people with the same situation.' If Novica supports children with cancer, I want to belong to those artisans. It is now a beautiful reality, since you gave me the opportunity to give life to little ones from a hostel in Guadalajara. It was very beautiful to offer them support and hope.

"They have recognized me locally at the Friends of Oaxacan Folk Art. And I have received honorable mentions. My work has taken me farther than I ever thought."

Dragonfly Gifts Oaxaca Carvings Oaxacan Wood Carvings Hand Painted Sculpture Folk Art Sculpture Animal Themed Sculpture Alebrije Sculpture Wood Sculpture Dragonfly Sculpture Red Sculpture Sculpture. Gifts for Valentine's Day

6 Reviews for

Teresita Gonzalez

September 13, 2020

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

S Susan

Fine example of folk art.

Reviewed item

May 3, 2020

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

J Jane

This substantial little turtle is more a fine example of alebrije without having the slightly menacing look of many of them. the detail is amazing, and the expression on its face is wonderful - both knowing and olayful. The colors fit well with current decor while retaining a folk art feel.

Reviewed item

September 7, 2023

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

S Shelley

The dragon is fierce and friendly and happy and extremely colourful. Thanks for the fine work.

Reviewed item

April 2, 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

C Carol

This cat figure is wonderful - the expressive art is wonderful

Reviewed item

January 19, 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A Andrea

My daughter loved her gift. Beautifully made.

Reviewed item

March 17, 2021

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

G Gloria

The artistry is amazing! The piece is meticulously decorated with colors and shapes that engage us in admiration.

Reviewed item

Teresita Gonzalez

Teresita Gonzalez traditional handcrafted Mexican alebrijes

Latest Update

"My journey in Mexican handicrafts began when I started working with copal wood as a way of therapy to relieve my cancer. I struggled with my inner demons and it was a very difficult time. It was thanks to the alebrijes that I started to come alive again. I understood that my mission is to preserve this art that saved my life. It is something that gives me life, and sharing it with others gives me the assurance of what my mission in life is.

"Besides sharing my crafts, I've been able to help other people with this same condition. And through UNICEF, we have supported causes in favor of children that fill me with pride and encouragement. When I overcame cancer I said, 'with my crafts I want to help other people with the same situation.' If Novica supports children with cancer, I want to belong to those artisans. It is now a beautiful reality, since you gave me the opportunity to give life to little ones from a hostel in Guadalajara. It was very beautiful to offer them support and hope.

"They have recognized me locally at the Friends of Oaxacan Folk Art. And I have received honorable mentions. My work has taken me farther than I ever thought."

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Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Guadalajara, Mexico

Mexico Artisan Empowerment Hub

Explore Mexico. You'll discover the rich artistic heritage drawn from the Maya, Olmec, Toltec, Zapotec, and Aztec civilizations, as well as the distinctive living folk art traditions of modern Mexico. From Taxco Silver Jewelry to intricate Huichol beadwork, and from handpainted Talavera-style pottery to handblown glassware and fantastical alebrijes, you will fall under the spell of magical Mexico.

Learn More

Maker Badge Preserving Traditions

Teresita has continued to preserve her unique technique and pass down her alebrije traditions to the youth in her workshop and use culturally significant materials.

Maker Badge Award Winning

Teresita received local recognition and an honorable mention from the Friends of Oaxacan Folk Art Competition (FOFA)- an organization dedicated to promoting traditional handcrafts and folk art of the Mexican state of Oaxaca.

Maker Badge Empowering Women

An artist who creates from the heart, Teresita has turned a dangerous illness into a source of strength and positivity. After the birth of her first child, Teresita was diagnosed with cancer. "My medical treatments aided in my recovery, but I believe that laughter and her ability to make art have helped me to survive," she says. "I try to infuse each piece with my love of life, a positive attitude, and the appreciation I feel for the time I've been given." She is an inspiration to all cancer survivors, mothers, and women worldwide.

Maker Badge Overcoming Cancer

When Teresita was diagnosed with cancer shortly after she gave birth to her first child, doctors told her that her chances of survival were slim, but against all odds Teresita beat and eliminated the cancer that had grown in her. Although her medical treatments were essential to treating her cancer directly, Teresita attributes her recovery to laughter, positivity, and her ability to create art pieces every day. Each of the products that Teresita has made has uniquely given her a piece of strength to carry forward and live life to its absolute fullest. Teresita is known amongst her colleagues as a positive light and is a tremendous example of strength and virtue to all cancer survivors, mothers, and women worldwide.