In San Pedro Taviche, Oaxaca, Jesús Muñoz Hernández transforms humble copal wood into vibrant creatures of the imagination. A third-generation artisan, Jesús began learning the craft at age nine, following in the footsteps of his mother and grandfather. What started as helping in the family workshop has blossomed into a lifelong devotion to the art of the alebrije.
For over 30 years, Colectivo Muñoz has carried this legacy forward. Today, the family collective of ten talented members, including wives, cousins, and nephews, collaborates on every piece. Each artisan contributes a unique specialty, from the initial carving and sanding to the intricate final painting, ensuring every creation possesses its own distinct personality.
Each piece carries profound meaning, weaving together layers of storytelling, such as the coyote as a spiritual protector, alongside designs of colors, leaves, and landscapes that reflect the vibrant spirit of Oaxaca.
The process is one of patience and precision. Copal wood must be carefully sourced, dried, and carved before the first stroke of paint is ever applied. Depending on its complexity, a single piece can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks to complete. It is a meticulous journey from raw copal wood to a finished, hand-painted work of art.
For the Muñoz family, the wood is a canvas for the impossible. Coyotes grow wings, animals become dragons, and familiar forms transform into unexpected wonders. By blending their individual perspectives, the collective creates an ever-growing world of nahuales and fantastical beings, turning their shared dreams into something tangible that others can hold in their hands.
