Carolina Sandoval Melchor is an artisan from San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca, dedicated to the creation of carved copal wood sculptures, a tradition deeply rooted in her community. Together with her husband, woodcarver Kengi Santiago Santos, she leads the artistic project Xica, a workshop that blends traditional carving with a vibrant contemporary painting style.

Their work captures the warmth and celebratory spirit of Oaxaca through vivid colors, expressive forms, and dynamic patterns that evoke the region’s festivals, music, and cultural energy.
Their sculptures also incorporate elements inspired by Zapotec and Mixtec cultural traditions, along with textile details referencing the backstrap-loom weaving of Santo Tomás Jalieza. Through their work, Carolina and Kengi seek to preserve the artisanal techniques inherited from their communities while developing a distinctive artistic voice that celebrates the cultural identity of Oaxaca.

Feria Maestros del Arte 2025, 2026

AWARDS

·       2016 Friends of Oaxaca folk Art - Honoring our roots, exploring our dreams. Honorable Mentions in the category of Painting on carved wood

·       2022 Friends of Oaxaca Folk Art - Finding hope through art

·      2025 Friends of Oaxaca Folk Art - Mi Historia entre mis manos

·       2022 Citibanamex Contest in carving category - outstanding

·      2024 Citibanamex Contest in carving category -outstanding

ARTIST INFORMATION

San Martin Tilcajete, Ocotlán de
Morelos, Oaxaca 71506  

cel 95 1403 5639

sanmelcar0896@gmail.com

Instagram xica.oax