Final answer:
Many families in Oaxaca make a living from creating alebrijes, a form of brightly colored Mexican folk art. The three towns known for alebrijes production visited by shop owners are San Martín Tilcajete, Arrazola, and La Unión Tejalapan. This craft is integral to the cultural and economic fabric of the region, similar to historic artisanal trades.
Step-by-step explanation:
The artistic tradition of creating alebrijes, which are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures, supports many families in Oaxaca. The process of crafting alebrijes provides a significant source of income for local artisans, and it includes the collective efforts of family members, each of whom may specialize in different stages of the creation process from carving to painting. While it is challenging to provide the exact number of families involved in this trade, it is evident that the practice is integral to the region’s cultural and economic fabric.
In Oaxaca, the three towns famous for the creation of alebrijes are San Martín Tilcajete, Arrazola, and La Unión Tejalapan. These communities have established reputations for their distinctive styles and skilled craftsmanship. Shop owners often visit these towns to buy alebrijes directly from the artisans to sell in their stores. The collaboration between shop owners and artisans helps sustain the local economy and enables the artisans to reach a wider market.
The importance of alebrijes to Oaxaca can be likened to the role of artisans in other historical contexts where the production of goods such as silk, lacquerware, and other luxury items was a substantial source of income. Today, the creation of alebrijes not only provides livelihoods for many but also continues to be a means of cultural expression and preservation for the people of Oaxaca