There are certainly some other Oaxacan folk art alebrije owls out there, similarly carved and covered with intensively hand- painted patterns, but I must say I have not found another I find nearly as charming as this one. I think it is especially the head and face I love, that shape of which is just the right amount of off-kilter, and which is painted in a manner that reminds me a bit of Australian Aboriginal paintings too. Plus those eyes and whiskers, and the fantastic feather-like patterning covering the body and wings! Very nicely--and painstakingly!--done. And then a little bump out for the polka dotted base across the front of which the talons wrap, and which could serve as a little shelf or tiny alter. It has a few years on it at least, and is signed on the bottom with what looks like Victor Hdz (maybe standing for Hernandez?), Oaxaca.
9" t x 5 1/4" w x 3" d and in excellent vintage condition, with a few stray paint dabs here or there, original to the piece.
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