Nature's Most Dramatic Insect, Rendered at Full Scale
This extraordinary praying mantis is hand-carved and painted by H. Blas, a master folk artist from the Oaxacan Valley of Southern Mexico — where the ancient Zapotec tradition of Copal wood carving transforms imagination and nature into breathtaking, one-of-a-kind art.
Eleven Inches of Pure Artistry
Standing 11" tall with a 6" wingspan, this mantis is a showpiece in every sense. H. Blas begins with raw Copal wood from the hills surrounding the valley, shaping each piece by hand with machetes and pocket knives before spending days hand-sanding and painting every angular limb, wing, and surface in vivid, fantastical detail. The mantis's dramatic, poised stance and outstretched wings give this carving an almost lifelike energy that stops people in their tracks.
- Hand-carved from Copal wood by H. Blas of Oaxaca
- Painted entirely by hand with bold, intricate color and pattern
- An original artwork — no two pieces are identical
- 11" tall × 6" wingspan — a commanding, gallery-worthy display piece
- A highly sought-after collector's item with proven appreciation in value
A Statement Piece for Serious Collectors
At this scale, H. Blas's artistry has room to fully unfold — every quill of detail on the wings, every painted pattern on the body tells a story of craft, imagination, and the living folk art tradition of Oaxaca. This is the kind of piece that anchors a collection and draws every eye in the room.
EarthView sources only the finest carvings directly from the best artists in the Oaxacan Valley — this is authentic folk art, not a reproduction.
Oaxacan is pronounced "Wa-Haw-Ken."