This marvelous hummingbird alebrije is the original creation of Mexican artisan Teresita Gonzalez. The impressive bird is carved from copal wood and carefully painted in a rainbow of colors. The myriad wings give the sculpture an impression of movement. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

The folk art tradition of alebrijes dates back to the 1930's in Mexico City. A man named Pedro Linares was taken ill, and in his fevered dreams he saw a strange land populated with curious creatures--a donkey with wings, a rooster with bull's horns, and a lion with the head of a dog. The beasts all ran at him, shouting 'alebrije! alebrije!'. Upon his recovery, Linares began recreating the fantastical creatures he had seen in his dream. The art form gained popularity, and alebrijes are now made of wood as well as papier mache.

• materials: Copal wood
• Some assembly required
• Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
• Signed by the artist