Alebrije Snake Wood Carving by Esperanza Martinez of Oaxaca, Mexico Snake alebrije wood carving Artofit Small Orange Cobra Mexican Wood Carving Alebrije CARAPAN, MEXICAN ART Snake alebrije wood carving Artofit. ABOUT THIS ALEBRIJE This Mexican snake is a tiny treasure. It was completely hand carved out of a single block of copal wood, which is considered sacred by Zapotec Indigenous people. Zapotec people live in Oaxaca since pre columbian times and in the small town of San Martn Tilcajete, they make the most magnificent wood carvings of animals and fantastic figures commonly known as Alebrijes. The snake displays a splendid decor of traditional patterns. Such patterns, commonly known as "grecas" can be found at the pyramids of Mitla and Monte Alban, benchmark of the pre hispanic Zapotec civilization. The grecas are so meticulously painted, that an agave cactus thorn was used instead of a brush for the thiner strokes. As shown in Coco, the movie; Zapotecs believe that every person has a guardian or spiritual guide. Such protectors are called Tonas and are linked to the qualities of a particular animal. This snake alebrije can be considered as a Tona since for the Zapotecs is a symbol of abundance linked to good crops, fertility, and continuous transformation towards a better state. HEIGHT 0. 708 In 1. 8 cm LENGHT 2. 36 In 6 cm WIDTH 2. 36 In 6 cm MADE OF Copal Wood REGION San Martn Tilcajete, Oaxaca, Mexico. TECHNIQUE Carved from a single block, Hand painted SPECIFICS Signed by the artist at bottom ETHNIC GROUP Zapotec safe packing worldwide shipping on request Handling time 1 to 3 business days Delivery time 15 to 25 business days. Carrier & Service USPS International shipping from Mexico. Other Shipping Options Express shipping quotation on request.