This striking coyote alebrije by Anabel Cruz has an elegant, almost statuesque presence despite its compact size. The coyote sits upright with its muzzle lifted, as if caught in the middle of a howl. Its long ears and sweeping curved tail give the carving a wonderfully expressive silhouette.
The painting is exceptional. Anabel works almost entirely in black, silver, gray, and white, covering the surface with incredibly fine geometric patterns. Greek-key borders, spirals, feather-like forms, concentric circles, and precise bands of tiny triangles flow across the body and follow the contours of the carving. On the hindquarters, carefully shaded cube-like patterns create an almost three-dimensional optical effect.
The restrained monochrome palette makes the details even more impressive. Against all those cool tones, the warm orange eyes and the small orange accents at the nose immediately draw attention to the coyote’s face. The result is a sophisticated hand-carved and hand-painted Oaxacan wood carving that rewards close inspection from every angle.
Coyotes have long appeared in the stories and visual traditions of Mexico, often associated with intelligence, adaptability, and a certain mischievous cleverness. Anabel Cruz gives this coyote a more contemplative character, combining its upward pose with extraordinarily disciplined painting.
