Oaxacan (pronounced Wa-Haw-Ken) wood carvings are whimsical and enchanting art figures that have captivated collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. These highly imaginative and brilliantly colored figures are totally hand-carved and painted in tiny villages in the Oaxacan Valley of Southern Mexico. Many of the carvers are descendants of the legendary and renowned Zapotec Indian Tribe of Oaxaca. Each figure is handmade from Copal wood, a soft regenerative wood that grows in abundance in the hills surrounding Oaxacan Valley, using machetes and pocket knives.

Artists carve the basic shape of a figure in a few days, then hand sand and meticulously paint each piece in great detail. It can take up to a full week to complete one figure. The artists use fantasy and imagination in their painting to make the animals appear more alive. Full of movement and humor, Oaxacan wood carving is an authentic folk art. Each carving is unique. Carvings are signed by the artists and available in limited quantities.

Appreciation in value is possible due to the high demand and uniqueness of this work. Many of these figures have become collectors' items. Narrative story cards are provided for each carving. We continue to search the Oaxacan Valley to bring you the best quality carvings from the best artists. We are confident you will appreciate and enjoy the fine craftsmanship and exquisite detail of these carvings.