Behind the Design: Otomi Embroidery

In Mexico, we partner with an artisan business that creates opportunity for 25 families in rural communities where there are few dignified jobs. The majority of the Artisans are women, many of whom are the heads of their households. Working from their homes, these Artisans create our stunning Bird of Paradise Bag, which features traditional Otomi embroidery in radiant colors.

Otomi embroidery is a time-honored craft native to the Mexican state of Hidalgo. The embroidery techniques bring together Spanish and Aztec elements for a uniquely Mexican aesthetic. The motifs of Otomi embroidery feature the flora and fauna indigenous to the region and are believed to be inspired by cave drawings found in the mountains.

The women who create our Bird of Paradise Bag refer to a pattern while they stitch the designs, but they do not use any stencils. The women free hand each bag and have a level of artistic freedom that makes each piece special. For each bag, the Artisan creating it chooses which colors she would like to use for each part of the motif, which means that your bag is truly one-of-a-kind!

When you purchase the Bird of Paradise Bag, you create opportunity for rural Artisans, empowering them to keep their local traditions alive. Thank you for using your purchasing power for good!