Tenango Embroidery From Hidalgo

Tenango embroidery is a commercialized craft from the Tenango de Doria municipality in Hidalgo, Mexico. Otomi artisans adapted older traditions for outside buyers.

A 1960s drought disrupted local agriculture. Artisans tried pepenado blouses, then switched to flat fabric.

Over 1,200 artisans practice this craft today across two municipalities. The work remains primarily women's labor, passed from mothers to daughters.

Patterns feature stylized chickens, rabbits, horses and flowers arranged symmetrically. Figures also come from amate paper cut-outs made by local shamans.

Background fabrics are typically white or black. Embroidered elements use bright yellows, greens and blues, often as stripes across the figures.

The climate here has more moisture and vegetation.

Finished pieces sell for 15 to 10,000 or more Mexican pesos. They are sold in upscale hotels and boutiques.

The embroidery design holds no copyright or trademark protection. French fashion label Hermes partnered with artisans in 2011.