Oaxaca carvings in the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT

Animales Fantacticos, the colorful wooden figures being carved in the lobby of the pavilion, are an ancestral Sapotec art form in Oaxaca (pronounced Wa-HAH-ca), Mexico. Known as alebrijes, the magical creatures hold a special secret. Because the artist puts such intense efforts into the work, it is believed each piece carries a part of the carver's being forever. Thought you might enjoy seeing a short video about this very thing!!