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Mystical Oaxacan Animals

Explore the colorful history of Oaxacan alebrijes as students create fanciful creatures.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Oaxacan alebrijes are brightly colored, intricately patterened Mexican folk art sculptures depicting fantastical creatures. Have students explore the artist who first created them, the Indigenous Mexican artist Pedro Linares (1906-1992). In the early 1940s he fell very ill and while in an unconscious state he dreamt about strange animals who kept shouting the nonsense word "alebrijes!" When he awoke he started crafting 3D representations using paper, twigs, and other materials of what he saw in his dreams. Ask students to explore the beginnings of alebrijes, which are made (with few exceptions) of copal wood, and look at images of these vibrant fantastical creatures.

  • Step 2

    Symbolism is important when creating an alebrije. For example, one with jaguar features could symbolize power and strength, while one with butterfly wings might connote transformation and freedom. Have students choose an imaginary creature to create. Ask them to choose symbolic features to include and remember to use bold, vibrant colors and intricate patterns.

  • Step 3

    When their art is done, have them present it to the class and discuss their alebrije and its symbolism.

Standards

ARTS: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding. 

ARTS: Speculate about processes an artist uses to create a work of art. 

SS: Culture: Create, learn, share, and adapt to culture. 

Adaptations

Pedro Linares began as a cartonería artist. Cartonería sculptures are papier-mâché creations generally made for certain yearly celebrations in Mexico. Have students investigate this artform, its history, and its uses.

Pedro Linares began as a cartonería artist. Cartonería sculptures are papier-mâché creations generally made for certain yearly celebrations in Mexico. Have students investigate this artform, its history, and its uses.