This incredibly intricate & detailed alebrije from the studio of master alebrije artist, Don Jesus Morales in the eastern Costa Region of Oaxaca represents the ram toná. It is carved from the wood of the Copal Macho tree native to Oaxaca. It is much heavier than a normal alebrije made from Copal Wood, making for his commanding presence! This piece, meant to represent strength & honor is covered in the Zapotec symbols for “maximum power” & shelter/protection" among others. This piece is 11 inches tall & 8 inches long, & took months to carve, cure, & paint. Human cultures in the past believed in the existence of a duality between man & nature, in which a person might adopt the attributes, traits, or abilities of an animal with whom they shared a spiritual connection. This isn’t unique to Oaxaca. Egyptian, Sioux, Apache, & First Nation peoples of current-day Canada all shared similar beliefs. Toná was the name the Zapotecs gave to the guardian animal, & it was identified with each individual from the day of their birth. When a child was born, the father drew a circle of lime & mezcal at the house’s entrance to learn the child’s toná. The circle was left overnight, & the scent of it attracted spirits in the form of animals. The father would go outside the next morning & look for the animal’s tracks that had been protecting the entrance all night. Throughout the child’s existence, the animal that corresponds to those tracks would be the child’s protective toná. Still in existence today is a Zapotec calendar that recognizes 20 tonás which include the jaguar, the eagle, the serpent, the frog, the dog, the hummingbird, the owl, the turtle, the mockingbird, the iguana, the possum, the chameleon, & many more. This stunning ram is made in the fashion to honor the traditional Zapotec toná. It is intricately painted in beautiful vibrant colors, & would look amazing on display in your home or office. We have commissioned many more pieces from Señor Morales, as his style & craftsmanship along with his gentle & friendly manner has really endeared him to us. His excitement for his traditional art combined with his talent make this young artist one that is destined to become incredibly popular & collectible in the years to come. We make sure everything is purchased so that a fair trade & living wage can be achieved by the artists. We do not haggle, & we do not ask for volume discounts. Our mission is to bring beautiful pieces here that we love, & we think others will love while supporting the amazing artists in Oaxaca. Alebrije Ram From Oaxaca - Zapotec Toná Mexican Art Wood Sculpture Folklore Folk Native Carving Signed By Jesus Morales
