The Gorgeous, Colorful Embroidery of the Otomi

 

The Otomi , an indigenous group from central Mexico, in Tenango, in the state of Hidalgo create some of the most colorful, creative embroidery.  The Otomi are believed to have lived in the Valley, way before the Nahuati speaking population that would later become the Aztec Empire.  The name Otomi comes from Nahuati word origins, Otoac (walk) and mitl (arrow).  When combined, forms "Ootomitl", later becoming Otomi meaning "those who hunt birds with bow and arrow."

Tenango, "stone neighborhood", is home to numerous caves with petroglyphs of animals, flora and fauna.  These images were inspirations to the Otomi's embroidery.  Other influences were how the shamans decorated their Amate.  Amate is a tradition that can be dated back to PreHispanic time.  Indigenous natives would make a textured paper called Amate from the bark of the fig or mulberry tree. Designs were drawn and cut on the Amate and they were strung together. These banners were hung as decorations for religious ceremonies and other celebrations.  Amate was what influenced the practice of Papel Picado; see post dated May 21, 2010.

Prior to the colonial influence of Europe, the Otomi were already weavers.   These designs were originally used only on women's blouses.  Due to a severe drought that devastated the crops in the Tenango de Doria region, they were forced to make their work available to those that lived outside of their community.  This textile above truly shows the elegant movement and flow of the animals.

It was not until the 1960's that the textile designs became part of home decor.  This is a runner that I recently purchased at a store in San Miguel de Allende.  Such vibrant colors and it makes such a strong statement along with the blue glass bowl that I had bought ages ago at Guajuye, the best place to find hand-blown glass in San Miguel de Allende.

In the market and a few stores around town, you can find tops, dresses, pillows, place mats, table runners, coasters...

Patterns are first drawn usually on an off-white cotton muslin.  Using a super-narrow herringbone stitch to create the figures, it can take up to three months for an artisan to produce a piece that measures 2 square meters (a little over 21 square feet).  I have seen stunning headboards made from the Otomi fabrics!  And even drum-shaped shades for a dramatic lighting effect over a dining room table.

In 2012, Hermes of Paris created a series of silk scarves inspired by the Tenango designs.  In 1995, Cristina Pineda (a fabric designer) and Ricardo Covalin (an industrial designer) formed Pineda Covalin, a Mexican line of handsome clothing, accessories and shoes, whose designs are inspired by elements of the Indigenous Mexican art and culture.  

Some of the many selections in the market.

 At the Rosewood Resort in San Miguel de Allende.  Subtle but so very elegant.

Hotel Matilda in San Miguel de Allende embellished a side of one the hotel's wall with an oversized Otomi design of flowers and animals.  I just love it.  I may have to do that on the side of my house.  
So when on one of my San Miguel de Allende tours, I can lead you some of the best places to find these beautiful Otomi creations!