Antonio and his large family work together closely to produce outstandingly imaginative and whimsical wood-carved carousels and ferris wheels, rendered in a charming primitive style, including aniline paints. Combinations of animals, human figures and skeletons ride spirited horses. They sell their pieces and take direct orders (which they are extremely personable in filling) from their home and workshop in the Barrio del Progreso, a section of Oaxaca about ten minutes by car from the center.
Be forewarned that reaching the Villafañe residence requires an unforgettable climb up a sheer incline. However, they will deliver pieces within the city of Oaxaca, once purchased and/or ordered. Antonio and his family make many other wonderful pieces in wood, including “retablos,” (three-dimensional scenes, religious and otherwise, constructed within a cabinet configuration) and free-standing nativity scenes.
