Pepe Santiago Oaxacan Alebrije Pair — Dragon & Giraffe, Signed Copal Wood

Colorful pair of Oaxacan wood alebrijes by artisan Pepe Santiago, each hand-carved from copal wood and meticulously hand-painted in his distinctive multicolored dot and line style. The pair features a winged dragon and a giraffe-like unicorn, both executed with vibrant hues of red, orange, turquoise, purple, and black, signed “Pepe Santiago” on the underside.

Pepe Santiago is an acclaimed carver from San Antonio Arrazola, Oaxaca, one of the key villages in Mexico’s Zapotec folk art tradition. His pieces are celebrated for their fantastical forms and intricate brushwork, part of the region’s renowned alebrije movement. Comparable signed works by Santiago appear in folk art galleries and auction houses, valued for their craftsmanship and expressive style.

Condition

Good condition. The dragon displays a wood split and prior repair to one arm, and two small pieces are absent from one wing. Both show minor paint losses and light surface wear consistent with handling. Despite these imperfections, the pair remains stable with vivid coloration and strong visual impact.

Dimensions

• Dragon: 8" H × 7" W × 6" D
• Giraffe: 8" H × 3" W × 6" D

(Campbell’s soup can shown for scale.)

Pepe Santiago’s alebrijes exemplify the artistry of Oaxaca’s woodcarving tradition, derived from Zapotec cultural roots and the vibrant alebrije style adapted from Pedro Linares’ papier-mâché originals. Handcrafted copal wood figures like these require weeks of carving, drying, and detailed brushwork, making each one-of-a-kind.