ABSTRACT
Linaloe handicrafts, made from Bursera aloexylon wood, are remarkable products with an ancient history. Unlike many other interesting woodcrafts in Mexico, such as alebrijes made from other Bursera species (see Chapter 11), animal figures made with palo fierro, or ironwood (Olneya tesota), from Sonora or the figures carved in Morelos from the bark of pochote (Ceiba pentandra), carving is not a major component of linaloe wood handicrafts production. Handicrafts are constructed using traditional carpentry; but their identity is mainly based on their characteristic decoration, with masterful use of lacquer and paint, powerful colours, and traditional designs and textures. In this way they are more like Balinese softwood carvings (see Chapter 9). In addition, linaloe wood products have a characteristic aroma.
