Gabino Reyes: Our Lady of Guadalupe Deer and Fawn Alebrije
Gabino Reyes: Our Lady of Guadalupe Deer and Fawn Alebrije
This extraordinary woodcarving by master artist Gabino Reyes is unlike anything else. The deer, painted in soft green tones, carries a breathtaking pair of antlers shaped like flowering nopal cactus pads, a direct reference to the resilience and sacred symbolism of the cactus in Mexican culture. At its side, a fawn gazes up with innocence, adding tenderness to the scene.
The most striking detail is found within the deer’s chest: a hand-carved image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, surrounded by vibrant flowers. This fusion of Catholic devotion with Zapotec creativity reflects the coexistence of faith and tradition in Oaxacan communities. The deer itself has long been a sacred animal in pre-Columbian belief systems, often seen as a messenger between the earthly and the divine. With the Virgin housed inside, the carving becomes both an offering and a guardian, symbolizing protection, fertility, and spiritual strength.
Gabino is known for blending spiritual imagery with natural forms, and this piece is a prime example ,devotional, imaginative, and deeply rooted in Oaxaca’s cultural heritage.
