What is Otomi?

I know that I have a deep connection with Otomi and I am surrounded by others with a love for this beautiful design. But I think my love goes beyond the style; more into the art, skill, story and the creation of these amazing pieces.  

For those of you that don't know what Otomi is, how it is made or how it came to be, I wanted to share a few things I have learned along the way through various exposures with artisans and also from research of my own...

The Otomi people live in the Sierra Madre Orienta Mountains in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. It has been said that the drawings and designs of the animals, birds and other figures were inspired by cave paintings. This embroidery style is also often referred to as Tenango embroidery. Men are typically the ones that draw the designs onto the white or off white fabric that is then embroidered by the women. The figures are typical stories or representations or life that has been taught to generations.  

This work has translated into other inspiration within design over the years and remains to be present and relevant in design not only across Mexico but has influenced design worldwide commercially.  

Here is a beautiful piece that was drawn that I can share with you before it was embroidered. 

 

These pieces are typically used for home decor and clothing- everything from bedding, pillows, table cloths, lamp shades, headboards and more; and in women's fashion as well.  

We hope you enjoy these pieces as much as we do. It is a beautiful skill set we love to support and bring to you from our artisans at Eclectic Array.