The Zapotec Indians of the Oaxacan Valley (pronounced Wah-HAH-ka) of Mexico create amazing wood carvings. The state of Oaxaca is in Southern part of Mexico. There many villages in the Oaxacan Valley and each village carves different animals. There are about 500 carvers in the Oaxacan Valley.

The wood comes from the "copal" tree, a hardwood growing in the hills. Only fresh green wood is used since it is easiest to carve. Carvers use pocket knives, kitchen knives, and machetes to create their pieces. Once carved, the piece is allowed to dry for several days. Once carved and sanded to a smooth finish, a carving can be adorned with the simplist of natures materials such as cactus spines for teeth or goat hair for a zebras mane.

Then before painting, the wood is treated for insects.

The pieces are put together and painted. The process is a family effort. Generally, it is the men who carve and the women and children who paint. It is a source of family pride, and most homes have a small area where finished works are displayed.

The wood carvings are also known as "Alebrijes" and Animalitos.