Oaxacan wood carved cat figure
This week's photohunt is Favorite. I thought about this for a while. Several items came to mind; hike, garden, flower, food. But I wanted to do something a little bit more personal and I choose to show my favorite souvenir.
I started collecting Oaxacan wood carvings of cats on our first trip to Tuscon. We travel each spring to view the wildflowers and gardens in the Southwest. The gift stores will frequently have a small assortment of Oaxacan wood carvings. These are a traditional art from the area around Oaxaca Mexico. The "figuras" are carved typically in the form of an animal but some are more fantastic and are then called "alebrije". They are painted in bright colors and decorated. Some are rather simple and other very elaborate. Here is more information on the process used to create the figuras.
I've collected several over the years during our travels in the Western States. I always look over the selection of various animals and find a cat. One day I hope to travel to Oaxaca to see the artisans in action and purchase them directly.
Here are a few of my favorites.
The smallest one of the collection
Doesn't he look old?
My favorite - I love the flowers and bright red
Comments (15)
This is one amazing collection, they are really beautiful! And I can almost feel your excitement when you get to add another one on each trip! :)
Posted by Sabine | December 13, 2008 11:47 AM
Posted on December 13, 2008 11:47
Marta - what a great collection of cats you have!
Thanks for sharing them with us.
Judy
Posted by tourmama | December 13, 2008 11:47 AM
Posted on December 13, 2008 11:47
Now that's a great collection, Marta. Hope the week has treated you well. :)
Posted by Leslie | December 13, 2008 1:45 PM
Posted on December 13, 2008 13:45
Love 'em!
Posted by Amy | December 13, 2008 1:54 PM
Posted on December 13, 2008 13:54
A very nice collection indeed! And I love the way you photographed them!!
Posted by June | December 13, 2008 2:39 PM
Posted on December 13, 2008 14:39
that's not a bad thing to collect, quite adorable
Posted by 2lives | December 13, 2008 3:48 PM
Posted on December 13, 2008 15:48
These cats are amazing! So... do you buy a cat for each time you visit to Tucson/the Southwest?? ;b
Marta: Yes I do. I also look for them when I visit California.
Posted by YTSL | December 13, 2008 5:21 PM
Posted on December 13, 2008 17:21
Marta, those are beautiful carvings.
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December 13, 2008 5:52 PM
Posted on December 13, 2008 17:52
Awwww, the little guy is darling!
Nice collection, Marta!
Ciao,
Brenda
Posted by Brenda | December 13, 2008 8:21 PM
Posted on December 13, 2008 20:21
I love your collection, and your favorite piece is beautiful and looks very Mexican to me!
Learned something new today through your post.
Happy weekend :)
Posted by Mar | December 13, 2008 10:28 PM
Posted on December 13, 2008 22:28
What a wonderful collection! I have a couple of colorful painted wooden cats. I don't think either are Oaxacan wood carvings though. I love cats. I can see how these are so special to you. Great designs!
Posted by girasoli | December 13, 2008 11:44 PM
Posted on December 13, 2008 23:44
in my country there is an industry dealing with handicraft but the colors on yr cat for example r totally unique. never seen them before.
Posted by Isaiah | December 14, 2008 12:54 AM
Posted on December 14, 2008 00:54
Hi Marta, great phototheme photos. That's a really neat collection. So colorful.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | December 14, 2008 6:52 AM
Posted on December 14, 2008 06:52
The figuras are so cute and whimsical. I love them all but the smallest one is adorable.
I visited Oaxaca a few times back in the 1970's when I was studying in Mexico City. It is a beautiful city, full of color and with amazing markets.
Posted by María I. | December 14, 2008 9:34 AM
Posted on December 14, 2008 09:34
I love these! Amazing how much personality they have (and each one is so different from the others). Great thing to collect.
Posted by Annie | December 15, 2008 10:22 AM
Posted on December 15, 2008 10:22