Mexican Folk Art Emerges from a Dream, Goes on Parade
Alebrijes have evolved into one of the most popular handicrafts in Mexico. The giant versions featured in an annual procession are a true delight.
You’ve likely seen alebrijes even if you didn’t know that word, alebrije. (English speakers can pronounced ah-lay-bree-hay.)
Alebrijes are the brightly painted fanatical creatures, often composed of a mix of real animals and magical beasts. People from the Oaxaca region sell wooden versions. I would have guessed that alebrijes originated there, but no, this is an art form with roots in Mexico City. It was then adopted by craftsmen in Oaxaca.
Alebrijes arose from a fever dream. Pedro Linares López (1906–1992) was born into a family of cartoneros, or artists who worked with a kind of papier-mâché called cartoneria. They made skeletons and other decorations for religious holidays and other celebrations.
Around age 30, Pedro fell ill and lost consciousness.
In his dreams, strange creatures appeared and called to him, saying the world alebrije over…
