A man from Mexico City named Pedro Linares Lopez invented alebrijes in 1936 based on his imaginings during a fever dream.He dreamed about combining parts of different animals to create fantastical creatures.However, the artisans in this small town use copal wood to carve the alebrijes instead of cardboard.Even though Linares Lopez created the brightly coloured alebrijes from cardboard, a small town in Oaxaca, San Martín Tilcajete, also started creating alebrijes.No matter what material the alebrijes are made from, they are painted with bright colours and patterns.Many Mexicans believe that alebrijes can protect homes from evil spirits by scaring them away. For an immersive experience, try this workshop where you will learn to paint your own alebrijes.
