El Don del Saber / Woodcarving Alebrije Mexican Folk Art Sculpture

Martin Xuana Fabian

FOFA (Friends of Oaxacan Folk Art) Honorary Mention

FOFA “Honorando nuestra raices, explorando nuestros sueños, 2016”

Made with Copal wood, woodcarving technique gouges, machete and sandpaper, decorated with acrylic paintings.

Martin captures symbolic elements of life in his pueblo in this sculpture entitled “Gift of Knowledge” carved from copal wood. The old man transmits his knowledge to the younger generation. The bench represents the surface on which woodcarving is carried out, as well as the economic base of his people and their pueblo. The machete – the carver’s principal tool – conveys the capacity to actualize the art of woodcarving. Martín painted the base of his piece green to capture the beauty of Oaxaca, formerly known as Verde Antequera. Martín’s innovation is sanding his piece after painting it to achieve a matte effect.

Dimensions: 8" x 15" x 8" in or 20 x 37 x 20 cm

Weight: 2.2 lb or 1 kg  

Time of Preparation: 2 Months

San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca-Mexico

Availability: Immediately