"Alebrijes" are Mexican handicrafts that serve as spirit guides. In the form of fantastic figures combining the physiognomic elements of various animals, real or imaginary, they play a huge role in the belief of linking spirits and the real world, guiding an individual through their life. They have gained a reputation for scaring away bad spirits and protecting the home of an individual holding the spirit. With vibrant colors, they are traditionally used in Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), as the work is one that is normally seen as spiritual animals that companions you on the trip of death. This majestic creature is believed to lead the way to the world of the dead whilst keeping you safe from evilness that you may encounter on the way. Because of this, they’re normally put in the “Ofrendas de los Muertos [offering to pay honor to the death]” to honor them.
Originally, the Aztec people created these symbolic creatures by mixing two living animals with anthropomorphic characteristics. Over time, with modern materials and design techniques, it has become more popular to create more complex iterations of these creatures.
Homemade "Alebrijes"
Crafted using clay and acrylics. Very delicate and intricate process. Used clay to create the shape of the creature and manually picked to create a complex pattern/texture. Used acrylic in multiple layers to create vivid colors. Handcrafted by Arantxa Mata Jaime
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