Alebrijes are a relatively new type of Mexican folk art that’s as vibrant as it is fantastical. These surreal creatures often combine animal features to create something completely unique and fascinating.
In this article, we’ll explore the alebrijes meaning, origin, and cultural evolution. You’ll also learn about the two main forms they take: paper mache and Oaxacan wood carvings.
We’ll also discuss the work of Pedro Linares and Manuel Jiménez, two of the most important figures in the alebrije world.
The history and origin of Alebrijes
Like many folk art traditions, the history of alebrijes is tied to a particular person and their unique experience.
The fever dream: Pedro Linares and the birth of alebrijes
In 1936, Pedro Linares, a cartonero (paper mache artist) became seriously ill. As he lay in bed, he had vivid hallucinations of bizarre creatures. He saw a donkey with wings, a rooster with bull’s horns, and a lion with an eagle’s head. As the creatures approached, they shouted the nonsense word “Alebrijes!”
After he recovered, Linares began to recreate the creatures he had seen in his fever dreams, using the paper mache techniques he had learned from his father. These were the first alebrijes.
The spread of the art form
Linares’ work began to attract attention, and soon galleries and collectors were promoting his unique creations. His work influenced other artists, and the alebrije tradition began to spread.
The surreal nature of the art form seemed to fit perfectly with Mexico’s artistic and cultural landscape. As André Breton, the French surrealist, once said, “Mexico is the most surrealist country in the world.”
Alebrijes in Oaxaca: Wood Carvings and Cultural Significance
While Pedro Linares brought alebrijes into the world, they’ve truly flourished in Oaxaca, Mexico, where artisans create the fantastical wood carvings we often associate with the term today.
The Rise of Oaxacan Woodcarvings
Manuel Jiménez is considered a key figure in the Oaxacan alebrije woodcarving tradition. These carvings depict fantastical folk art animals, often painted in vibrant colors.
Copal wood is the preferred material for these alebrijes because it’s relatively soft and easy to work with. Oaxacan artisans traditionally use non-mechanical tools like machetes, chisels, and knives to shape the wood.
Cultural and Economic Impact
Alebrijes hold deep cultural significance in Oaxacan communities. They represent a blend of real and imaginary creatures, often drawing on indigenous folklore. They can even be connected to the ancient belief in tonas and nahuals – animal spirit guides that connect people to the natural world.
The popularity of alebrijes has also had a positive economic impact on local Oaxacan communities. The demand for these unique folk art pieces has led to improvements in infrastructure and increased resources for the artisans and their families.
What does “alebrije” mean?
The word “alebrije” is a bit of a mystery. It doesn’t have a clear meaning or etymology, and it’s not a word that existed before Pedro Linares “dreamed” it into being.
The most common explanation is that “alebrije” was simply a nonsense word that Linares heard in his fever dreams, a jumble of sounds that stuck with him and became the name for his fantastical creations.
Beyond the origin of the word itself, the creatures themselves carry symbolic meaning for many. Alebrijes are often seen as spirit guides, protectors, or representations of our inner selves. Each animal combination, each color, each detail can be interpreted as a reflection of our own unique personalities and journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is alebrije in Spanish?
Simply put, alebrije is a Spanish word referring to the brightly colored, fantastical folk art sculptures originating in Mexico. They often depict a combination of different animals, both real and imaginary.
What do alebrijes symbolize?
Alebrijes are often interpreted as spirit guides or totems. They can represent a connection to the spiritual realm, creativity, and the blending of different aspects of life. The specific symbolism can vary depending on the animals and colors used in the sculpture.
What are the 4 elements of an alebrije?
While not a formal “element” list, alebrijes are characterized by: vibrant colors, fantastical creatures (often a mix of real animals), intricate designs, and a sense of whimsy and imagination.
What is the story behind the alebrijes?
The story goes that Pedro Linares López, a Mexican artisan, fell ill and dreamt of bizarre creatures in a vivid fever dream. Upon recovering, he began recreating these creatures using papier-mâché, giving birth to the art form we now know as alebrijes.
Summary
From their origins in Pedro Linares’ feverish vision to their current status as a widely recognized art form, alebrijes represent a vibrant and relatively new folk art tradition with deep cultural roots in Mexico.
Today, alebrijes have evolved into even more elaborate and fantastical creations. The movie “Coco” introduced a new generation to these colorful creatures, presenting them as computer-animated 3D characters.
Whether they’re crafted from paper-mâché by skilled artisans or brought to life on the big screen, alebrijes continue to enchant and inspire. They’re a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring richness of Mexican folk art, reminding us that even the wildest dreams can take tangible form.