The typical crafts of Hidalgo have a tradition and versatility from pre-Hispanic times. The Toltecs, eradicated in the city of Tula, had a lot of fame for their handicrafts, of which the other indigenous groups of the state are heirs.
Given the great variety of cultures and landscapes that this region has, some experts consider that it is possible to speak of different crafts depending on in which area they are produced.
There are five areas in which the state can be divided: the Valle del Mezquital, the Huasteca of Hidalgo, the Sierra Tepehua, the Sierra and the Altiplanicie pulquera.
Hidalgo, with capital in Pachuca de Soto, is one of those that make up the United Mexican States.
Due to its history, it has numerous archaeological remains and different indigenous ethnic groups.
You may also be interested in the history of Hidalgo or its traditions and customs.
The 5 typical crafts of Hidalgo
one-
In this area live the indigenous Omities who have preserved the tradition of making different textile products using ixtle. This is a fiber that is extracted from the maguey leaves.
This type of work occurs throughout the Mezquital Valley, but it is in Ixmiquilpan where it has developed in a more professional way, thanks to the creation of a cooperative.
Although most of the ixtle is used to make bags or hats, you can also find ayates and other garments.
two-
The town of Tenango de Doria, with Otomí and Tepehuanes inhabitants, is famous for the striking embroidery that is produced by hand.
The tradition was born almost a century ago and, since then, the women of the area have dedicated themselves to creating colorful figures that adorn all kinds of fabrics.
The work is not easy, as some of the designs require up to 10 months of work. The usual thing is to choose a white fabric and draw the desired motifs on it.
These motifs are usually animals, flowers or geometric figures. When done by hand, it is practically impossible to find two that are the same.
The seamstresses are dedicated to making the embroidery with candle thread of diverse and striking colors.
The size of the so-called tenangos is very varied and is used to make cushions, blouses or tablecloths.
3-
Among the municipalities that make pottery in Hidalgo, Chililico is the one that has achieved the most fame thanks to its way of making the products.
The Nahua population of this town in the Huasteca region has preserved the same way of working with clay that their ancestors used before the Conquest.
Among the utensils they make are ollules (used to transport and drink water), jars, kitchen utensils and the well-known toys made with baked clay.
4- Bronze and copper from Tlahuelompa
The construction of bells has made this small town in the Sierra de Hidalgo famous.
They are made in different sizes starting from a clay mold. Later they are manufactured using different metals, mainly bronze and copper.
There are other crafts made with these materials, such as pots, pots and drums.
Whoever goes to this town to buy or enjoy its metal objects, will also have the opportunity to taste its artisan wine.
5-
This municipality was founded by the Spanish, although there was already a small indigenous settlement in the area.
This area is known for the textile products it produces. They usually use a backstrap loom, the same method that was used in pre-Hispanic times.
The main fabrics used are wool and cotton, being made with these from sweaters to girdles, through gloves or joggers.
The other craft that stands out in this town is that of leather. With this material they make huaraches, straps or linings.
References
- Hidalgo Grows With You. Hidalgo crafts. Obtained from hidalgo.gob.mx
- Unknown Mexico. Chililico pottery. Obtained from mexicodesconocido.com.mx
- Wikipedia. Handcrafts and folk art in Hidalgo. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org
- University of Texas Press. Mesoamerican Healers. Recovered from books.google.es
- Creative Hands of Mexico. Otomi creativity among foggy cliffs. Obtained from creativehandsofmexicodotorg.wordpress.com