Copal comes from the Náhuatl word “Copalli”, the healer. In some regions it is used in tea infusions to cure some diseases.
The mystical Copal is considered the link to the spirit world and to the Gods. Copal incense is used in ceremonies to cure spiritual and physical diseases.
Burning copal incense in a blessing ceremony
“Alebrijes”, these magical carved wooden figures are made of Copal. It is important to mention that Pedro Linares in the 1930s made his first “alebrijes” of cardboard and paper-mâché. Alfonso Caso, anthropologist-philosopher, and the famous painter Diego Rivera didn’t design the “alebrijes”. They only promoted Pedro Linares creations.
Nowadays, the same artisans who carved and paint the “albrijes” are using the same technique to make one of a kind jewelry. The little dots are painted with a thin copal brush.
