![]() This refers to the ancient mythology that certain men are capable of shapeshifting into different animals.Īccording to Mesoamerican beliefs, men would escape into nature, fall asleep, and the animal which appeared in their dreams would become their official nahual (nah-wahl). The nahual (also spelled nagual), on the other hand, is associated with the Mayan, Toltec, and Mixtec cultures. Some of the animals include coyotes, lizards, armadillos, turtles, snakes, rabbits, deer, frogs, monkeys, owls, eagles, jaguars, butterflies, fish, hummingbirds, and snails. The traditional Zapotec calendar, includes a total of 13 months divided by 20 days with e ach day of the month dedicated to a specific animal or tona. In the Zapotec culture, the tona (meaning animal and/or protective spirit), was assigned to each individual based on their birthday. Though alebrijes are not a centuries old tradition, when we look back at history, we can find evidence that Mesoamerican cultures did believe in a version of magical spirit guides-known as " tona" and " nahual". ![]() Universally, alebrijes remind us not to be afraid to pursue adventure, new opportunities, and to remember to see beauty and magic that surrounds us. ![]() Some are silly, while others are more peaceful and loving. Their features are always exaggerated or contorted, emphasizing their playful and mystical nature and their facial expressions can vary. While Oaxacan alebrijes (more commonly seen today) feature realistic interpretations of animals and are less monsterlike.Īrtisans will also typically use vibrant colors and shapes like stripes, polkadots, flowers, flames, and more. Some have wings, while others have antlers, horns, and/or fins.įor example, the original alebrijes that Pedro Linares created were more fantastical and otherworldly––sometimes even frightening. Every artisan who designs one gives the spiritual animal its own unique traits and personality. Overall, alebrijes celebrate and honor the magic of creativity, and the beauty of a more ethereal and spiritual world.Īlebrijes are special because no two are ever alike. He is also a parody of Banjo from the Banjo-Kazooie franchise.The purpose of these animals depends on who you ask.Monster's horns can bend depending on his mood-if he's sad, they turn upside down, and if he's excited, they might straighten up and then curl again. Monster's tongue has been shown to be quite long. His eyes are black and beady, and his lips are a light lavender. ![]() Monster wears a pair of light green swim trunks with purple floral print and with pockets and green gloves. His arms are on the lower portions and lack fingers (although he has thumbs). His head/torso takes up a majority of his body, with the waist down being squat and stubby. His body is rectangular, his head being the largest part of his body. Monster is a tall purple Organic with two ivory horns that curve towards each other on his head. He is also highly obsessed with swimsuits, superhero comics (more notably Ika Musume), and bacon. Often having fun with his best friend and side-kick, Robot, whatever problems anyone has, him and Robot are always willing and ready to save the day and fix any problem, although in a less competent way. Monster is the cuckoo, happy-go-lucky, hyperactive, energetic, but dim-witted and impulsive oddball who is free-spirited and ready for anything.
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