Visit the small town of San Martín Tilcajete, where alebrijes are created. Alebrijes are a Mexican Folk art that features imaginary, mystical creatures. Their creation is attributed to Pedro Linares, an artist from Mexico city. It is said that he saw the creatures while in a fevered sleep and when he awake, he created what he saw from paper mache.
The use of the artwork expanded as other artists began making their own creations, using different materials. When the stylized, painted creatures reached Oaxaca, the artists used wood instead of papier-mâché, creating a style that is now connected to Oaxaca and specifically to San Martín Tilcajete.
To see and/or purchase this whimsical, wonderful artwork, we encourage visits to San Martín Tilcajete, and one of our favorite artists, Jose Fabian Perez.