Alebrijes: Mexican fantastic animals

By: Minerva Gardea Lluhi

Creations from Mexican artisans is a cultural reference full of colors and textures that can be easily recognized wherever they go. But where do these creations come from? Where are alebrijes born?

The alebrije is a Mexican handicraft traditionally made with the cardboard technique, which consists of wire structures covered with layers of paper. The structure of the alebrijes is based on animal bodies with added characteristics from different animals. This technique creates unique and extraordinary creatures so none of them are alike.

Dreams do come true. Alebrijes were born in a dream of Pedro Linares, a Mexican artisan. In 1936, at the age of 30, Linares fell seriously ill and fell into a deep sleep. Upon waking up, he told his relatives that during his unconscious state he saw fantastic animals such as a donkey with wings, a lion with the head of a dog and a rooster with bull horns; and all these strange animals shouted the same word: alebrije!

Upon regaining his full health back, the craftsman decided to give life to these fantastic and mythical animals that he had seen in his dreams and began creating the cardboard art pieces. In 1975, the British filmmaker Judith Bronowski made a documentary about his work, and he began to have national and international recognition. Many of Mr. Linares’ alebrijes were purchased by Frida Kalho and Diego Rivera, whose collection is available at the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City.

In 1990, Pedro Linares received the National Science and Arts Award in recognition of his artistic career and his contribution to Mexican popular art.

Nowadays, the Museum of Popular Art in Mexico City perform a parade every year with more than 30 alebrijes that also are part of the national alebrije contest. Alebrijes are part not only as a handcraft but also in other different categories such as stories, songs and poems that makes alebrijes the main theme of their compositions.