Massive 47" Oaxacan Alebrije Cat by Rafael Mendoza — Hand-Carved Wood Sculpture

Majestic in scale and alive with imagination, this 47-inch hand-carved and hand-painted wooden alebrije cat by Rafael Mendoza T. stands as a vivid embodiment of Oaxaca’s world-renowned folk art tradition. Signed and inscribed “San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca, Mexico” on the underside, the sculpture hails from one of Mexico’s most celebrated artisan communities, where generations of carvers transform local copal wood into creatures of color and spirit.

Carved with sweeping lines and painted in radiant tones of yellow and black, the feline stretches forward with a poised elegance, its nearly four-foot length giving it extraordinary presence. The removable tail—a hallmark of larger Tilcajete carvings—balances the form both physically and visually. Mendoza’s brushwork is confident and rhythmic, his painted stripes suggesting movement and vitality, as though the cat itself might leap into life.

In Oaxacan culture, alebrijes are more than decorative figures—they are dream-beings, guardians of imagination that bridge the everyday and the fantastical. This monumental example captures that spirit perfectly, merging artistry with folklore, craftsmanship with storytelling. At once playful and powerful, it invites not only admiration but curiosity—about the traditions, techniques, and people who continue to keep Oaxaca’s carving legacy alive.

Dimensions / Weight

Overall (with tail): 11" H × 47" W × 8" D
Weight: 7 lbs 11 oz

Condition

Good condition overall, with minor shelf wear and small areas of paint transfer, visible only upon close inspection. Paint remains vibrant with excellent color retention. Tail fits securely and the carving is structurally sound.

Highlights

• Monumental 47-inch length — exceptional display presence
• Hand-carved from copal wood and fully hand-painted
• Signed: “Rafael Mendoza T., San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca, Mexico”
• Vivid example of the Oaxacan alebrije folk art tradition
• Removable tail for safe handling and display

Please Note: Soup for Scale in Photo