Behind the Design
One-of-a-Kind Otomi Embroidery
August 25, 2014
Otomi textiles are an ancient handicraft using hand embroidering techniques, Otomi textiles, known as tenangos, incorporating colorful images of animals and native people. The real and mystical imagery of the textiles depict the Otomi cosmovision originally recorded in regional cliff drawings. It can often take months to complete a single piece!
The large majority of our pieces are 'fino' quality so they are one of a kind, never to be repeated again. This means that we get to add new designs to our inventory regularly, lucky you!
The Otomi people are an indigenous ethnic group inhabiting the central altiplano (Mexican Plateau) region of Mexico. One of the early complex cultures of Mesoamerica, the Otomi were likely the original inhabitants of the central Mexican altiplano before the arrival of Nahuatl speakers around ca. 1000 CE, but gradually they were replaced and marginalized by Nahua peoples. It is commonplace to see Otomi women selling traditional Otomi embroidered cloths in this region.
One of our newest 'fino' quality designs is the El Bosque Fino Otomi Tapestry featuring a rainbow of vibrant colors! This tapestry would look amazing hung on a wall.
Can you imagine your dining table being graced with a work of art like this? Our Animals & Flowers Fino Quality Otomi Runner looks beautiful on any flat surface.
If you aren't traveling to Mexico anytime soon, we make it convenient to order your very own Otomi Embroidered Tapestry today!
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