We’re just back from the Gather. (Photos here.)

Yesterday this fine fellow arrived from Mexico (via San Diego.)

He was carved and painted by our friends Jacobo and Maria Angeles who live and work in Tilcajete, Oaxaca. You can see more of their work on their web page. (If you get a chance to stop by thier restaurant I recommend the Chile de Agua Rellenos. Wicked good.)

We ordered the buffalo when we were in Oaxaca in February. The carving was already done and we chose the basic color mix but the details of the painting is always left up to the painter. It’s always a surprise when the piece arrives.

The head shot shows some of the details and his little bit of a frown.

I have several pieces that Jacobo has made for me. All cats, until this one. One of these days I’ll dig out pictures of the rest of our pieces and some of our visits to Jacobo and Maria’s house.

These are match boxes. I buy them in Oaxaca Mexico. The actually come with matches in them. Though I have to throw them out before I try to bring the boxes home.

I got these two boxes in Corazon Zapoteca in Alcala street in Oaxaca. Both are approximately 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 innhes.

La Sirena is one of the cards in the game of Loteria.

The Virgin of Guadalupe is everywhere in Mexico.