San Martin Tilcajete
Oaxaca · Mexico
We visit with our guide, the house-workshop of an artisan carving wooden figures today known as alebrijes, there we can see from the process of making these handmade figures to the various forms of application that have been achieved during the innovation process
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1San Martin Tilcajete
Welcome to San Martin Tilcajete, a small, vibrant community nestled in the central valleys of Oaxaca, roughly an hour's drive from the state capital. As you stand in the dusty streets of this Zapotec village, you are entering a…
Listen in the app2The Origins of the Alebrije in Oaxaca
To understand the visual language of San Martin Tilcajete, we must first trace the fascinating origin of the Alebrije. The concept did not actually originate in Oaxaca, but rather in Mexico City in the nineteen thirties. …
Listen in the app3Copal Wood and the Carving Process
Step toward one of the open courtyards to observe the physical genesis of these creatures. The foundation of every authentic Oaxacan alebrije is the wood of the Copal tree. …
Listen in the app4The Natural Dyes and Acrylic Evolution
Once the carved figure is completely dry and sanded smooth, the transformative process of painting begins. This is typically, though not exclusively, the domain of the women in the community. …
Listen in the app5The Prehispanic Roots of the Devil Carnival
Let us drastically shift our analytical focus from the quiet concentration of the workshops to the chaotic, explosive history of the town's most famous event: the Carnaval de Diablos. While the alebrijes bring tourism year-round,…
Listen in the app6Syncretism and the Parody Weddings
Position yourself conceptually in the center of the town square during the height of the Carnival. The defining structural event of the day is not merely a parade, but a highly elaborate, biting satire known as the Parody Wedding. …
Listen in the app7The Sensory Chaos of the Aceitados
Focus closely on the physical appearance and the overwhelming sensory impact of the primary participants in the Carnival: the Diablos Aceitados, or Oiled Devils. Decades ago, participants painted their bodies with natural…
Listen in the app8San Martin Tilcajete
As we conclude our deep dive into the cultural fabric of San Martin Tilcajete, take a moment to reconcile the two distinct identities of this remarkable village. On one hand, we have walked the quiet, dusty streets observing the…
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What is San Martin Tilcajete?
San Martin Tilcajete is a place in Oaxaca · Mexico with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Oaxaca · Mexico |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 16.8591, -96.6952 |
| Last updated |