Snail #19

With hypnotic detail and vibrant symmetry, Snail #19 by Jacobo & María Ángeles transforms a simple creature into a dazzling work of fine art. Carved from copal wood and painted entirely by hand, this Oaxacan alebrije showcases the duo’s signature fusion of myth, nature, and Zapotec symbolism. The shell spirals outward in a mesmerizing pattern of turquoise, magenta, and lavender, each segment filled with delicate geometric motifs that represent fertility, time, and ancestral cycles. The snail’s body features a rich contrast in black, white, and deep red tones, with intricate linework flowing across the surface like a sacred map. Despite its small size, the piece exudes movement, precision, and deep cultural resonance.