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Oaxacan Alebrije, Blas, 'Martians'  [sold]

[sold] Oaxacan wood carvings, or alebrijes, of bizarre "Martians" or "Locos". Complete set of 2 [baby is sold], but also available as individual pieces. Signed Medardo Blas, from a noted family of carvers, which specializes in complex figures of insects, crustaceans, and these multi-antenna'd martians, all typically with very highly detailed surface decoration.

Adult figures are about 5" tall in body, and 9" overall including the antenna. Wingspan is 8", depth 5". The baby [sold] stands about 3" tall, 5.5" including antenna. 4.5" wide, 6" depth. As is customary, none of the pieces are glued in place, so they are removed for secure and compact shipping.

The Martian character is one of the earlier designs of the Oaxacan wood carving phenomenon, taking its inspiration, and the 'alebrije' name (hallucination), from the surreal papier mache creations of the renowned craftsman Pedro Linares of Mexico City.

Detail views below. Oaxaca, Mexico. GE/ABE



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B. Mama, $75, detail


B. Mama, detail


B. Mama, detail


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B. Mama, detail


C. Papa, $75, detail


C. Papa, detail


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C. Papa, detail


C. Papa, detail


C. Papa, signature


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Familia, detail


Familia, detail


A. Baby, [sold]


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A. Baby, [sold]


A. Baby, [sold]


A. Baby, detail [sold]