This extraordinary fusion piece by Cesar Melchor brings together the spirit of two deeply symbolic Oaxacan animals: the fox and the turtle. In Oaxaca’s pre-Hispanic worldview, every animal carries a particular energy—its tona—and combining two creatures blends their strengths into a single, meaningful being.
The fox represents cleverness, adaptability, and sharp perception, while the turtle symbolizes patience, longevity, and protection. Together they form a creature that is instinctive yet steady, agile yet grounded, a balanced guardian embodying both insight and resilience.
Cesar enhances this symbolic duality with his signature intricate patterns, including a stylized heartthat represents vitality and connection, and a small owl that symbolizes intuition and nocturnal wisdom. Layered geometric motifs on the shell and luminous floral patterns across the body further root the piece in traditional Zapotec design language while showcasing his bold, contemporary style.
A masterfully carved blend of folklore, imagination, and symbolism, this fox-turtle is a striking example of Oaxaca’s ongoing tradition of creating “fusion” alebrijes—creatures that tell stories not just through form, but through the energies they unite.
