Handmade Dragonfly Alebrije Figurine in Red from Oaxaca - Red Dragonfly Gift Wrap Surrounded by curling vines

Surrounded by curling vines

The artisans choose a palette of red

Different appliqué patterns adorn the front and the back in shades of black

made with an exquisite combination of precious elements

Handmade Dragonfly Alebrije Figurine in Red from Oaxaca - Red Dragonfly Gift Wrap Surrounded by curling vinesAlebrijes are often a hybrid of real animals, such as elephants and crocodiles, or they can be more fantastical creatures, such as dragons. Artisan Teresita Gonzalez of Xoxocotlan in the Mexican state of Oaxaca creates an elaborately hand carved copal wood alebrije dragonfly, or libelula. The insect is beautifully painted in bold red with accents of black, blue and yellow. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage. It is said