This wonderful anteater by Oaxacan artist Armando Jiménez feels like it’s about to shuffle forward and sniff everything in sight. Its rounded body is painted in deep brick red, covered with lively pale strokes that suggest bristling fur, while a bold yellow “cape” of large brown dots rests over its shoulders and back.
The long snout curves inquisitively toward the ground, framed by bright turquoise ears and alert green eyes. At the back, a tall black-and-white striped tail rises in a dramatic arc, giving the piece a great sense of balance and movement.
Armando belongs to the famous Jiménez family of Arrazola, descendants of don Manuel Jiménez, often called the father of Oaxacan woodcarving. His work keeps the family tradition alive with strong silhouettes, clear graphic patterns, and a playful sense of character that makes this anteater a standout piece in any folk art collection.
