Fantastic Stretch Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine in Purple from Mexico

Arching its back in a fantastic stretch over its head, an adorable cat is carved of copal wood in this folk art alebrije figurine from Mexico. Artisan duo Zeny and Reyna create the alebrije, hand-painting the cat with intricate designs in tones of purple. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

Alebrijes are a fairly recent Mexican art form, attributed to Pedro Linares. Unconscious due to illness in 1936, he was presumed near death and yet his dreams were extremely vivid. He tells of a place where all was peaceful and quiet until all of a sudden there appeared a lion with an eagle's head, a rooster with bull's horns and a donkey with butterfly wings. They kept screeching 'alebrije, alebrije!' and Pedro began running away. He encountered a man who told him it was not yet his time to be there are and he should continue running towards the exit. In this dream Pedro climbed out of a window and regained consciousness.

• materials: Copal wood
• Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
• Signed by the artist
• Warning: Choking Hazard. Small parts -- not for children under 3 years.

6.25 in. H x 1.2 in. W x 4.7 in. D