Mexican Wood Carving

Wood has many uses in Mexico. Domestic uses include spoons, bowls, furniture carved with flowers, birds, and animals; inlaid boxes and guitars are some of the other products made out of wood. The whimsical carvings from Oaxaca, are a recent phenomena which stem from the tradition of hand carved wooden toys. Most figures are carved within a day or two, and the shape of the branch to a large extent dictates what can be made. Once carved and sanded the figures are painted with bright acrylic paints. Typically the men in the family carve and the women paint the figures.

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Epifanio is one of several artists mentioned in the May 1991 edition of Smithsonian Magazine. His story and work is also featured in Oaxacan Woodcarving; The Magic in the Trees, by Shepard Barbash, Chronicle Books, San Francisco, CA. Epifanio has won numerous awards in regional and national contests and has participated in exhibitions throughout Mexico and the United States.

Epifanio carves and Laurencia paints.

Epifanio is a woodcarver from San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca (wa-há-ka), Mexico. His tiny village is situated in a valley shadowed by the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán. Many of the families in the village carve whimsical figures out of wood. The carvers inspiration comes from the twisted wood itself as well as religious, secular and traditional motifs. Epifanio is known for his use of color and imaginative figures, which include angels, animals, and nacimientos or nativity scenes. He carves with a machete, some crude chisels and a kitchen knife. He learned this skill from his father and likewise has passed on this unique craft to his sons and daughters; together they continue to produce imaginative figures. His wife Laurencia Santiago complements his carving with her bright colors and inventive designs.

Epifanio and his wife Laurencia.