A Playful Spirit, Carved by Hand
Meet this charming otter — a one-of-a-kind folk art sculpture hand-carved and painted by Oaxacan master artist Leopoldo Rios. Full of personality and movement, this piece brings the magic of Southern Mexico's living art tradition 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 humor to bring their animals to life — no two pieces are ever identical.
A Collector's Investment
Oaxacan carvings are increasingly sought after by collectors worldwide, and many pieces have appreciated significantly in value over time. Supply is inherently limited — each carving is a singular original.
- Dimensions: 8.5" high × 2" wide (body; tail not included)
- Material: Hand-carved Copal wood
- Artist: Leopoldo Rios
- Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico
- One-of-a-kind: No two pieces are alike