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The Mexican Alebrijes are made from the Copal wood. The Copal grows wild around Oaxaca and the wood crafters need not cut down entire trees to practice their art. They use fallen pieces and they cut off limbs of trees maintaining their wood sources.
Alebrijes, hand-carved, whimsical creatures with brightly painted designs,
are generally made by family businesses employing many family members.
However, normally only one family member signs each piece that comes from
his family though many people contribute to the creation of the Alebrijes.
"As far as I can tell, the signature and the lead artist, is always
a man, though many women are involved in the artwork. " - Nadine,
owner of Topanien Gifts 
Topanien has
worked with Joaquin and his family for years to bring you the colorful Alebrijes.
Joaquin's showroom is the front room of his home - see the lizard front
door decoration behind Nadine (photo at top right). Left
- Joaquin with his wife Laura and their three children. Kids are just home
from school and have not had a chance to change out of their uniforms. 
Nadine, owner of Topanien, hamming it up with an alebrije dragon.
Alebrjes available under Folkart/Imports on our website and in our physical store in Portland, OR. 7832 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland, OR 97219 * 503-244-9683 Villa de Campo - "My favorite place to stay in Oaxaca. It is about ten, long blocks north of the Zocalo but well worth the trek. The family that owns it is helpful and kind, the rooms clean and spacious and the grounds invite you to relax. Prices are reasonable. " -Nadine, Topanien Gifts owner Travel Pages: *Nadine, (Topanien Gift's Owner) Peru Trip *Fair Trade in South Africa - NEW *Artist in Peru *Jewelry Suppliers, Taxco *Alebrijes, Oaxaca *Nadine, (Owner of Topanien Gifts) in Mexico *Wall Hangings, Kashmir, India *Posada in Huajuapan
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Workshop
in San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca. Owner's daughter Lucy is in front
after helping choose an assortment of the wild Alebrije creatures
for Topanien Gifts. 
