Oaxacan Wood Carvings

Oaxacan wood carvings — known as alebrijes, tonas, or copal figures — are carved by hand from the freshly cut branches of the copal tree, then painted with extraordinary precision once dry. The tradition centers on three Zapotec villages in the Oaxacan valley: San Martín Tilcajete, Arrazola, and San Antonio — each with its own artistic lineage and visual style. Sandia Folk has worked directly with carving and painting families in these villages for over 25 years, selecting pieces that go beyond craft into fine art: intricate surface painting, pre-Columbian iconography, figures that carry the personality of the animal and the hand of the artist. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serious collector, you'll find work here that can't be found anywhere else.