This gorgeous little armadillo seems to have stepped straight out of a Zapotec fantasy storybook. Hand-carved and painted with gentle pinks, lilacs, turquoise, and spring green, its shell features extremely tiny, textile-like patterns that appear almost woven instead of simply painted. Each band of the armor showcases a different design, revealing new motifs—such as zigzags, diamonds, and tiny fretwork—creating a dynamic, patchwork quilt effect as you turn the piece.
The extra-long, jointed tail is a delight: a playful string of colorful segments that gives the carving a lively, curious character, as if the armadillo were about to scamper off exploring. Resting in the palm of your hand, this miniature shows off Michelle Luna’s incredible precision and sense of color—small in size, but full of joy and personality.
