What Is Otomi Embroidery?

December 09, 2020 3 min read

As we ease into winter, we're working hard to stay uplifted and remember the vivid colors that add some happiness to the rest of the seasons. We think there is no better way to celebrate color than looking at Otomi fabrics and learning more about how they are created. After all, Otomi was basically created to be adored by the whole Stray Dog Crew.

Also called Tenangos, this tradition of stitching was born in the Hidalgo region of Mexico and has been passed down for centuries. The embroidery style we see today grew from an increased need for income after Mexico suffered severe droughts in the 1960s.

Otomi Fabric Examples - Pato Otomi Pendant by Jane Gray at Stray Dog Designs and a tablecloth by St. Frank featured on vogue.com

Left: Stray Dog Designs Pato Otomi Pendant designed by Jane Gray | Right: St. Frank Tablecloth featured in Vogue

The Symbolism of Otomi Imagery

The designs are inspired by primitive cave drawings and mostly depict symbols of native flora and fauna. Here's what some of the imagery means:

Animals (armadillos, roosters, squirrels, deer): often thought to be bearers of wisdom and important news
Stars: four and eight pointed stars represent the cardinal directions
Flowers: can represent nature and fertility
Other symbols may also represent ancient healing ceremonies, fertility, spirits, migration, and nature

Stray Dog Designs - What is Otomi Embroidery?

Photo Credit: El Universal

The Process of Creating Otomi Fabrics

Artisans cut the fabric down to a specific sized based on the project
The artisan then hand traces unique designs onto the fabric
The piece is embroidered using a "blind stitch" technique. The stitches are hidden on the front and inside of the fabric
The piece is then washed to erase the drawing
Then the piece is ironed and if necessary, the hemline is stitched by hand or with a sewing machine

Watch this video to see an artisan sketch the initial design

More Fun Facts about Otomi Embroidery

Native artisans draw all of the patterns by hand, never using stencils
Some of the abstract shapes you see in the designs are based off of themes and motifs that date back hundreds of years
The designs are embroidered with a special kind of satin stitch that can only be seen on the front side
Some larger Otomi pieces can take up to a year to complete
Going even further back, this style was passed down from the Spaniards when they began to colonize in the Hidalgo region
Originally, Otomi pieces were hand embroidered on ivory muslin by the artisans. The practice of using white cotton has evolved from the growing popularity of the designs
Local shamans were some of the first artisans to begin this practice

Stray Dog Designs Otomi Floor Lamp and an image of an artisan stitching a design

Left: Stray Dog Designs Otomi Floor Lamp designed by Jane Gray | Right: An artisan hand stitching an Otomi Design

Admiration and Appropriation

We can't celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of this tradition without bringing up the increased appropriation (and sometimes outright plagiarism) of their patterns, imagery, and style. This has been at the center of disputes with major companies like Nestlé, Carolina Herrera, and Benetton. (Our designer, Jane Gray wrote an article about Otomi Copy Cats back in the day, too)

This centuries-old practice is steeped in history, talent, and tradition. It's important for us to pay respect to these artisans and ensure they are paid fairly for their inimitable work.

For these artisans, making a living is more important than adding their mark to the fashion or decor industries. "Those who do the heavy labor of needlework earn less than $10 to embroider a square about the size of a small cushion."

Our daughter Stella in 2010 on a trek in Tenango de Doria (a town of Hidalgo, where the Otomi tradition originated)

Stray Dog + Otomi

In 2010, we decided to embark on a journey to include Otomi embroidery in our collection. At the time, it was an arduous decision to invest time and money in educating our audience on the amount of work involved and the rich history behind the designs. We even had the pleasure of taking a trek on the winding dirt roads through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to source production and ensure that the Otomi people would directly profit from their handiwork.

Despite the logistical challenges of working with indigenous people, these designs became quickly loved. We are humbled and proud that the Otomi people have partnered with us to include these pieces in our line. We hope each day to promote and celebrate their art while providing and preserving their jobs and income.

Stray Dog Designs Otomi Pieces