The story of los Alebrijes

1. The story of los Alebrijes Pedro Linares López, creador de los Alebrijes

2. When he was 30 years old, Pedro Linares López (who was a cartonero, or a person who collected, manufactured and sold cardboard in Mexico City) became sick, fell into a deep sleep and had a crazy dream which revealed to him strange creatures that would change his destiny forever.

3. Sick and without access to doctors that could treat his illness, his sisters and their old-fashioned remedies tried to help him. After trying everything they could, nothing worked and all they could do was pray to God and the Saints for their brother’s health. 1. Why couldn’t anyone help Pedro?

4. In bed and unconscious, Pedro dreamed of a strange, interesting and very peaceful place; something like a forest where there were trees, rocks and animals. He could see the clouds and sky in that magical setting. He said that everything was calm, that he felt no pain and was happy to be walking in that place ... 2. What were the things inside the forest? 3. How did Pedro feel inside the forest?

5. But suddenly, the rocks, clouds and animals became strange creatures - they were animals that he couldn’t understand because they were of a very strange nature. Pedro saw a donkey with wings, a rooster with bull horns, a lion-headed dog… 4. What did the rocks, clouds and trees change into? 5. What did Pedro see?

6. "¡Alebrijes!" All f the animals were shouting one word: "Alebrijes," they shouted louder and louder: "¡Alebrijes, Alebrijes, Alebrijes!" "¡Alebrijes!" "¡Alebrijes!"

7. Pedro kept walking through that fantastic dream and in front of him a path of stones appeared. He looked up and saw a man walking calmly. He asked the man for help to get out of that place. The man told him that he should not still be in that place and that he had to walk further, a few steps beyond was a path to get out.

8. Pedro ran and ran until finally he was facing a narrow window, it was so narrow he could barely wriggle through – but then in the moment he got through the window, he suddenly woke up! Surrounding him were his sisters who were deep in their prayers. They thought he was close to death so their prayers were loud. 6. Why did Pedro run and run until he woke up?

9. After some time, once Pedro had fully recovered, he began to remember his dream and wanted his family and everyone he knew to know about these fantastical animals. 7. What did Pedro do after he got better?

10. Taking advantage of his abilities as a cartonero, Pedro Linares took a piece of paper and molded the figures he saw, and painted them as he saw them in his dreams, giving life to the "Alebrijes." • Throughout his life he showed his work to many people – both fellow Mexicans and foreign persons. He was even invited to the United States and Europe to showcase his "alebrijes.“

11. After telling the story of his dream and showing people the figures he made, many people were very impressed, especially a man named Manuel Jimenez, an artist who specialized in handcrafted painted items. 8. Who is Manuel Jiménez?

12. Manuel realized that they could reproduce these creatures out of copal wood – a tree that was abundant in that region – and he would call them alebrijes in honor of Pedro’s dream. 9. What did Manuel make from Pedro’s dreams and ideas?

13. Many people in Oaxaca, Mexico continue the tradition and work of making wooden hand-painted alebrijes that Pedro originally created. Today, these extraordinary pieces are renowned worldwide under the simple term: “Los Alebrijes.” 10. In your opinion, is it fair that other people have taken Pedro and Manuel’s original creations and started making and selling their own versions? Why? 11. This type of art is very popular in Oaxaca, Mexico. Is there a type of popular art here in our city, state or country? Make one comparison between the two types of art.

14. Adapted from http://www.alebrijes.com.mx/ & http://www.angelfire.com/md/alebrijes/historia1.html