What is an alebrije?

Question

I know the answer but chating with some american guys, ( and mexican ones wich concerns me most) i find that they don't really know what's an alebrije, or what's the story behind alebrijes.

i'll give 10 points to the most accurate answer.

Answer 1

According to you I don't need to tell you that an alebrije is a clay figure of an imaginary, fantastic animal painted in bright colors. That is basically the RAE Dictionary's definition. Having lived in Mexico for 20 years I have to say that often as not the alebrijes are made of papier maché.

The story behind the alebrije : They were invented by Pedro Linares when he was very ill at the age of 30. He was poor and, like most poor Mexicans of the time, did not have access to proper medical attention. All he had  was bedrest and prayer to help him. While unconscious in bed he dreamed of a strange forest with rocks, trees, sky, etc. He felt very calm and free from the pain he was suffering. Suddenly everything turned into animals, but very strange animals. He saw a donkey with butterfly wings, a rooster with the horns of a bull, a lion with an eagle's head, and all these animals were shouting at him, "Alebrijes, alebrijes!" The sound was terrible and he began to run in search for a way out. he cam across a man who told him that it was not yet time for him to be in that place and that he should leave. He found a sort of window which he crawled through and then he woke up from his illness, His family was amazed at his recovery, because they were sure he would die. When he was well enough to get out of bed he remembered the strange creatures and began to recreate them out of folded cardboard and then would paint them.

Pedro Linares López died Jan. 26, 1992 at the age of 86

Answer 2

Alebrijes are paper mache figures built on wire frames.  They are painted in very bright colors.  They are fantasy animals.  They have horns, strange tails, big teeth, menacing grins, etc.  I forget the artist's name, but he is a Mexican who also makes pinatas.  As I recall, his inspiration is from a weird dream.