This striking woodcarving by master Oaxacan artist Eleazar Morales showcases his signature style: the dramatic fusion of life and death through half-skeleton designs. The velociraptor is captured mid-motion, its body painted in fiery tones of orange and red, covered with delicate dotted patterns that give the skin a sense of texture and vitality.
What makes Eleazar’s work instantly recognizable is the skeletal overlay: one side of the raptor reveals bones painted in bold black and ivory, as if the creature were simultaneously alive and fossilized. The skull, ribs, and leg bones are rendered with sharp precision, creating a stark yet captivating contrast with the vibrant living patterns of the other half.
The raptor’s stance is full of movement, with its long tail stretched for balance and claws poised in a predatory gesture.
