Alebrije — toy figurines and funny figures of various sizes, which appeared in Mexico as an independent type of folk art from relatively recently. Alebrijes look like fairy-tale creatures, combining the features of different living creatures, sometimes so contrasting that the creature itself seems awkward. Large alebrijes are made from papier-mâché. But the most valuable are small figurines made of wood. Alebrijes are always painted in bright, contrasting colors, their painting — skilled worker.
Alebrijes were invented by Mexican artisan Pedro Linares Lopez from Guanajuato in 1936. One day he became very ill, and mysterious creatures came to him during a painful sleep. In his dream, he found himself in a strange forest, where there were trees, rocks and clouds. Suddenly the rocks, trees, and clouds turned into strange creatures. They were alive, but they looked very unusual. Pedro saw a donkey with wings, a rooster with bull horns, a lion with the head of a dog. And all these creatures repeated in one voice: “Alebrijes!” Alebrijes! Alebrijes!».
When he woke up, the artisan fell ill so that all his relatives would know what unusual creatures he had seen. Using his skills as a papier-mâché artist, Pedro took sheets of paper, made unusually shaped figures, and then painted them in the colors of the fantastic beasts from his dream. This is how the first alebrijes appeared.
Throughout his life, Pedro Linares did many jobs. Many of them were exhibited both in Mexico and abroad. He was invited to exhibitions in Europe and the USA. He preserved the artistic traditions borrowed from his grandfathers and made an invaluable contribution to the development of Mexican folk art. For his creative achievements, Pedro Linares received the National Prize of Sciences and Arts in 1990.
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Today, many artisans throughout Mexico enhance the cultural achievements of the Alebrije inventor. Thanks to Pedro Linares and those who continued his work, alebrijes became known far beyond the borders of Mexico and are valued by collectors of folk art.
Strange colorful figures, with wings, horns, tails and fangs, attracted the attention of Pedro Linares' clients. Basically, these were the organizers of processions and fireworks. Then alebrijes of gigantic size began to be created. Since 2007, the Folk Art Museum in Mexico City has held parades of giant alebrijes, known as the Night of the Alebrijes.
To make large alebrijes, frames made of metal or woven from hard grass such as sedge are used, on which papier-mâché forms are placed. The pieces are then painted in bright colors using various painting techniques.
Pedro Linares' slave was noticed by the owner of one of the art galleries in Cuernavaca, Morelos state. Alebrije came to the attention of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, who began to order him to make more figures. Diego Rivera said that only Linares could make such alebrijes as the artist ordered from him. The works that Linares made for Rivera can now be seen in the Mexican muralist's museum in Mexico City.
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But the Alebrije culture went much further than just papier-mâché. Woodcarvers from the Mexican state of Oaxaca combined their skills with the decorative techniques of Pedro Linares. So in the 80s of the last century, wooden alebrijes appeared — real works of art. Every year the painting became more complex and more perfect.
Copal wood is most often used for production. This tree, native to South America, has been used since ancient times for its aromatic resin, and burning it was an essential part of many pre-Hispanic rituals. Copal wood is soft; for cutting it must be used very fresh, still green, and therefore it is easy to process. To make alebrije, they use a machete or ordinary kitchen knives, following the original shape of a piece of wood created by nature itself.
Multi-colored wooden alebrijes can be purchased in squares, markets or workshops in the region. The production of alebrije stimulated the economic development of Oaxaca, but also caused the cutting down of copal trees. Subsequently, plans were introduced to restore copal plantations, which cannot yet be called successful.
It is important to emphasize that alebrije is considered a handicraft and not an industrial product. There is no certain form or sample according to which the product is produced. The master comes up with the shape of his future figure, and everything that he adds and embodies to it ultimately determines its final value.
A new form of folk art, related to traditional wood carving in Oaxaca, but also bringing to life the images and colors of Linares, was a reinterpretation of ancient traditions and a return to the origins of folk art. New forms also appeared that had never been used before.
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Today, alebrije is also made from other types of wood - cedar and pine, and in addition they use machine processing methods. To create a flat and smooth surface, the product is sanded with ordinary sand. After that it is ready for coloring.
In earlier times, aniline dyes were used. But over time they fade and lose their shine. For this reason, today they are more often painted with acrylic paints. In addition to flowers and ornaments, alebrije is decorated with thorns, thorns and cactus or pieces of living skins. These materials are personally helpful for applying paint, because... leave original touches and from the grip of clear outlines.
Each alebrije is a unique unique work. Alebrije has become one of the true wonders of Mexico and the pride of the artists who make them.
Alebrijes are believed to bring good luck. But Alebrije — it is also part of Mexican art, bright and multifaceted, full of life, known far beyond the borders of the country.
Based on ¡It's all Mexico!