What are the oaxaca wood carvings made of?

The wood of the copal tree, a member of the Burseraceae family, also known as the "palo de aceite" (oil wood) in Spanish, is used to make the majority of Oaxacan wood carvings. The copal tree is indigenous to the state of Oaxaca and is renowned for its sturdy wood, which has a lovely grain pattern and is resistant to pests. The wood's density, durability, and distinctive coloration make it the preferred material for crafting the stunning and elaborate sculptures for which Oaxacan wood carving is renowned. Other woods, including cedar and rosewood, may occasionally be used by artisans, but copal wood is the most popular and widely used material.