This fox is sitting up straight with its ears raised high and has those striking blue eyes, as well as a long white muzzle, which gives it such a lively appearance. The bold black and white stripes on the curled tail encircle its body, and the orange-red fur is playfully dotted with black dashes that resemble fur but still allow the beautiful carving to stand out.
I really enjoy the bold and simple style used here—instead of the detailed patterns which are usual in modern Oaxacan carvings, one sees broad areas of orange, white, black, violet, and turquoise. Because of this method the fox has a wonderful personality, nearly as though it had jumped straight out of a storybook, and the large ears together with its alert look make it seem extremely lively.
Armando Jimenez continues the tradition of his grandfather, Don Manuel Jimenez, the famous Arrazola carver who played a key role in establishing the custom of painting wooden animals in Oaxaca. This fox shows off the family's heritage through its simple and sure carving, its strong outline, and the way it conveys the spirit of the animal rather than depending on intricate decoration.
