ANIMAL SPIRITS
The intricate hand-stitched shapes of Otomi textiles are a marriage of indigenous and
Spanish techniques. Though the embroidery style of the Otomi, called “Tenango,”
has been in use for hundreds of years, it grew in popularity in the 1960’s after a severe
drought brought the Otomi people to rely on their unique folk art to keep their culture
alive.
Animals hold a very special place in the shamanic Otomi culture. The remote areas
where the Tenango style originated were known for their harsh environments and land
was difficult to cultivate. The animals that appear in the Tenango designs are typically
animals that appeared in the daily lives of the indigenous people and can also be
interpreted as a representation of the resilience of the Otomi people and their culture.
Otomi Quilt| Mix & Match Quilting Collection | 349
stitches pay homage to
the creativity and skills
required of the Otomi
Tenango embroidery style.