Alebrije is a Zapotec word meaning 'delightful'.They are whimsical carvings of fantastical creatures. They are made from locally sourced copal wood. They're carved using hand tools - machetes, chisels, and knives. They were traditionally painted using analine paints made from local plant, mineral and insect dyes. Currently many artists employ acrylic paints to reproduce the traditional patterns on them. Alebrijes are produced by families units. Each family member has his or her own job.
The Zapotec people are a large indigenous group concentrated in Oaxaca in Southern Mexico. Their rugged homeland is comprised of deserts, rain forests, high mountain cloud forests, and Pacific coastline. These diverse environments have resulted in 60 different Zapotec dialects, which are almost like distinct languages. Most Zapotec Indians still speak their own language, and other Zapotec dialects, and many don't speak Spanish. Zapotec life is based in agriculture. Some hunting, fishing, and gathering of wild foods is still practiced. Zapotec weaving, carving, and pottery is sought worldwide.
Zapotec civilization was one of the most highly developed cultures of Mesoamerica with large cities, monumental architeture, and a system of writing.
