This incredible masterpiece (over 2 feet tall!) was made not by just one person, but rather by the highly skilled teachers and artists-in-training of the Tribus Mixes workshop in Oaxaca. It is more affordable than you think, at just $750. For more information, see image number 6, which has a further view. 

Dragons (various artists)

Dragons could be understood as an animal counterpart to the popular Mexican folkart figure called the alibrije, or whimsical little character. He may be closest, in the contemporary Mexican spirit, to the "flying iguana." Iguanas are fruit-eating, sun-loving animals who don't bother anyone unless provoked - in which case, watch out! That iguanas might "fly" has become something of a northern urban myth for the "magical" and "irrational" world of southern Mexico. A flying iguana - and by extension, a dragon - might be likened to the "boogey man," who will get you if you don't watch out!

In Mexican culture, everyone knows of Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Snake, who is one of the major deities of the Aztecs and the Toltecs. Also called the Winged Serpen, Quetzalcoatl is the creator sky-god who organized the cosmos originally. For the Aztecs, this dragon was also a symbol of death and resurrection; he was the patron of the priests.

Rationalizations and history aside, we at Wild Wood Art Cafe find fascinating and endlessly enchanting the sheer aesthetic beauty and elegance of these dragons. They are dreamy air-like animals having their own mystique and minds. Won't you invite one into your home to instruct and delight you?

Click on images to view larger size.