Armored in Art
With its intricate segmented shell and expressive detail, this hand-carved armadillo is a standout signed original by Oaxacan artist Elena Julian. Stretching 7" from nose to tail, it's a beautifully crafted piece that brings the humor and imagination of Zapotec folk art into your home.
The Art of Oaxacan Wood Carving
Pronounced Wah-HAH-kan, these beloved carvings originate from tiny villages in the state of Oaxaca — homeland of the Zapotec people. Each figure is shaped from Copal wood harvested from the surrounding hills, carved with machetes and pocket knives, then hand-sanded and painted with extraordinary detail. A single piece can take up to a full week to complete.
The artists draw on myth, imagination, and the natural world to bring their figures to life — no two pieces are ever identical.
A Collector's Investment
Signed works by named Oaxacan artists are among the most sought-after pieces in the folk art world, and many have appreciated significantly in value over time. This is not just a decorative object — it is a signed original artwork.
- Dimensions: 7" long (to end of tail) × 2.5" tall
- Material: Hand-carved Copal wood
- Artist: Elena Julian (signed)
- Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico
- One-of-a-kind: No two pieces are alike