Provenance

This St. Frank archival print depicts intricate embroidery developed by indigenous Otomí people in central Mexico. The Otomí faced an economic crisis in the 1960s caused by severe drought in their predominantly subsistence farming region. As an alternative source of income, Otomí women popularized this embroidery through the revival of an ancestral technique.

Today, skilled Otomí textile artists are in demand outside of their local communities as appreciation for this vibrant embroidery has traveled well beyond its humble origins. In recent years, Otomí embroidery has become an iconic textile print, appearing in the work of top interior and fashion designers. Even the cult French fashion house, Hermès, collaborated with Otomí artists to release an exclusive line of Hermès scarves featuring the distinctive designs.

The symbolism and iconography in this textile design reflect time-honored traditions and beliefs of harmony with nature. The whimsical flora and fauna embroidered motifs can be traced back to pre-Aztec Mesoamerica and are said to originate from cave paintings. Textile designers draw the animals and plants from memories, dreams, and mythical imagination; the forms are then embroidered. Each character bears significance. Birds, rendered here, are messengers of the sun.

Product Information

This archival print is bordered with a 2" white mat board and framed in a modern black or white cap. The print itself is subtly blind embossed with our monogram in the bottom right hand corner. Framed dimensions of the print are 21.63"W x 16.63"H.

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Soft Grey Otomi Print Edition

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