Back From Tomboctou Gallery & Imports

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Back From Tomboctou Gallery & Imports Your window to the world for 40 years. Folk art and collectibles from around the globe. Importers from Mexico. Day of the Dead central.

Our store is also a cultural gathering space with special events taking place throughout the year and crafts workshops where we share with you the techniques we have learned so you can make your own folk art and get in touch with ancient traditions.BACK FROM TOMBOCTOU GALLERY & IMPORTS·SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2019·
Since 1983 Back from Tomboctou has brought to you authentic Folk Art. We represent traditional artisans from Mexico and Central America. In some cases we have worked with three generations of the same families.We take pride in explaining and keeping artisan traditions alive in a changing world. For many years we have been instrumental in the increased popularity of the traditions of Day of the Dead in the US. We believe that the products used in this celebration should be made in Mexico. A visit to our store will give you a glimpse of the richness of multiple traditions worldwide. We carry many colorful ornaments in wood, ceramic, straw and glass. La Palma and Ilobasco (El Salvador), and a variety of crosses, nativities, ornaments , carvings, Jewelry and ceramics,Coco masks as well as traditional wood masks. Vintage folk art and ceramics. Authentic Huipils and textiles and much more.

See you soon
11/29/2025

See you soon

See you soon. Open Saturday and Sunday

11/01/2025
10/30/2025

Los alebrijes nacieron de un sueño febril... y hoy son símbolo de la imaginación mexicana...

Cuenta la historia que en 1936, un humilde artesano de la Ciudad de México llamado Pedro Linares López cayó gravemente enfermo. Durante días tuvo fiebres tan altas que lo llevaron a un mundo extraño y luminoso: un bosque poblado por criaturas imposibles, mitad dragones, mitad aves, mitad felinos... Todos rugían una sola palabra: “¡Alebrijes!”.

Cuando Pedro despertó, quiso dar vida a su visión. Tomó papel, cartón y pintura, y empezó a crear aquellas figuras que había visto entre el sueño y la muerte: seres coloridos, fantásticos, llenos de vida y misterio. Así, nacieron los primeros alebrijes, una explosión de arte y fantasía que representaba la capacidad del mexicano para soñar incluso en medio del dolor.

Con el tiempo, los alebrijes se extendieron hasta Oaxaca, donde los artesanos comenzaron a tallarlos en madera, dándoles nuevas formas y colores, pero conservando la esencia mágica de aquel sueño que nació en la mente de un hombre humilde.

Hoy, cada alebrije es más que una figura decorativa, es un pedazo del alma mexicana

We have everything you need to honor your muertos.Check us out.
10/23/2025

We have everything you need to honor your muertos.Check us out.

It is that time of year.
10/10/2025

It is that time of year.

09/18/2025

THIS SATURDAY & SUNDAY 🙌 The 43rd annual Adams Avenue Street Fair, presented by the San Diego Foundation, features 75 musical acts on seven stages and is scheduled from 10am to 10pm Saturday, September 20th and 10am to 6pm Sunday, September 21st. 🎡🏡

Southern California’s largest free two-day music festival is in San Diego’s Normal Heights neighborhood. Adams Avenue businesses are proud sponsors of this event held on 10 city-blocks. In addition to the fantastic music schedule, the event features carnival rides, b**r gardens, festival foods, Fern Street Circus performances and 300 exhibitors with unique offerings. 🎪

Enjoy three b**r gardens open throughout the two-day run of the event. Enjoy full-pour servings from some of San Diego’s best craft breweries and featured cocktails from local distilleries. VIP pre-sale b**r tickets are available for $21 for four craft b**rs. 🎟️ Adams Avenue Street Fair is underwritten by a grant from the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. Visit the link below to learn more and we’ll see you at the fair! 😎

https://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/adams-avenue-street-fair/

09/08/2025

Address

3564 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA
92116

Opening Hours

Monday 10:30am - 6pm
Tuesday 10:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 10:30am - 6pm
Thursday 10:30am - 6pm
Friday 10:30am - 6pm
Saturday 10:30am - 6pm

Telephone

(619) 282-8708

Website

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