Dream Vision Hand-Carved Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico _artisan--novica-artisan-2974 The layers create a faux

The layers create a faux wrap

The bezel is set with an oval stone of blue topaz and accented with oxidized paw prints

freshwater pearl and lapis lazuli

This process is repeated until a rigid base is formed

Complementing the first

Dream Vision Hand-Carved Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico _artisan--novica-artisan-2974 The layers create a fauxCovered in intricate and colorful patterns, this alebrije owl's wide eyed expression only adds to its fanciful appearance. In creating this admirable figurine, artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez of Oaxaca celebrate that Mexican state's wood carving heritage. 'We use copal wood for our designs,' says Jesus. 'We dry, treat and sand the wood before painting the motifs by hand.' The alebrije tradition started with Mexico City papier mache artisan Pedro