Dimensions: 6" x 5" x 3" in
Time of preparation: 3 months
Made: San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca - México
Artisan: Tesoros del Copal
This unique piece, is carved in copal wood and is hand painted with Zapotec patterns. Made by the renowned studio, Tesoros del Copal.
Tonas and Nahuales (Alebrijes) are protective animals that guide and protect us throughout our lives. In the Zapotec culture of Oaxaca, the father blesses their newborn. In this, he assigns their baby a protective animal, a Tona, which is a spirit animal that over time becomes a Nagual, a personified version of the Tona to preserve the balance of all things. This creates incredible and powerful forces of art.