We can’t get enough of the Otomi embroidered cloths, also called ‘tenango’, made by the Otomi people in the Tenango region of Hildalgo, Mexico.
The Otomi or Nah-Nu people, who are the fifth largest indigenous people group in Mexico, use a style of embroidery that can be traced all the way back to pre Aztec Meso-America. It’s been said that the motifs used in their designs are inspired by prehistoric wall paintings found in the area. The textiles, with their vibrant colors and beautiful animal and floral motifs, are made by hand and can take months to complete.
We love Otomi embroidered fabrics used in simple ways, like covering a table; but furniture upholstered in the colorful fabric? Totally stunning, right? Framing even small a piece also creates a beautiful, graphic statement since, after all, it really is a work of art!
Do you have Otomi textiles in your home? Well, we want you to get in on the Jungalow textile fun too! All month long, share your photos of how you use Otomi textiles at home on Instagram and tag them with #jungalowtextiles. We’ll share our favorites on The Jungalow IG throughout November, and do a roundup here on the blog at the end of the month! And if you want to get your hands on some more Otomi, pop over to our Etsy Otomi Treasury list!
Photos: 1) Etsy 2) The Society Inc. via Elements of Style 3) Cookie Magazine 4) St Frank 5) Olli
jen says
I have an Otomi stenciled stairwell, does that count?? :)
Danae Horst says
Totally counts! Would love to see a pic in the #jungalowtextiles feed on IG!
Jenny says
Those patterns are so cool! I love the rainbow-colored ones the most, but really they’re all so neat. I’d love to have a bed like the one in the first picture!
The Sad-Eyed Girl says
I brought some tenangos from Mexico last summer. One of them is still to hang as a headboard in our bedroom. This Instagram challenge looks like the perfect excuse to finally do it :)
Danae Horst says
Can’t wait to see!
megan says
OTOMI patterns are my favorite (hence my blog name!) What an excellent challenge to share this beautiful work. :-)
tammyCA says
Beautiful! I don’t think I’ve ever seen Otomi..I can tell it’s a lot of work because I embroider. It kind of reminds me of traditional Hawaiin quilting which I’d love to learn.
janet grace says
hi,
just letting you know that the first image you use is from sibella courts book: nomad, the photo I think is by her brother chris court,
keep up the good work,
from adelaide, australia….
janet grace says
sorry, actually, its the second image, on the veranda
Justina Blakeney says
Updating the source! Thanks!
aprilneverends says
That’s my favorite textile ever, totally crazy about Otomi!
The one’s that’s I’m going to use it not up yet-because: new house’s not ready yet. I hope so much I actually do it because it’s supposed to be really prominent element in the room, my husband doesn’t seem to share my love …we’ll see.
I also have a table runner in Otomi, but don’t want to use it as a table runner..I can’t decide whether I want to do pillow covers, or big framed art..my heart says “art”, my small part of the brain(the one that’s supposed to count etc.) says “you’re crazy. do you know how much you’ll pay for framing?”
So it’s been years since I can’t decide
Marifer L. says
I love Otomi Textiles ! My house is full of color. Im searching all the time for new Otomi pieces.
I buy directly from http://www.otomimexico.com They have amazing Otomi designs!!
I hardly recommend this website :)