Efraín Fuentes
Artist
Efraín Fuentes
San Martín Tilcajete
Efraín Fuentes is a third-generation wood carver. He began carving at the age of seven under the guidance of his father, Epifanio Fuentes, who had learned the craft from his own father.
At just thirteen years old, Efraín exhibited his work abroad for the first time.
He is married to Silvia Gómez, an artisan from the same town who decorates the wood carvings that Efraín and their children create. Together, they run a family workshop in San Martín Tilcajete, where all six family members collaborate to craft pieces inspired by Zapotec culture. Their work features traditional designs found at Oaxaca’s archaeological sites, such as Monte Albán.
They are particularly known for carving Día de los Muertos sculptures, with an extensive collection of skeletons and catrinas representing scenes from everyday life, including the petatero, the lords of the fields, and regional dancers.