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Crafts in the state of Hidalgo are made by the two main indigenous groups:  the Huastecos (or Tenek) and the Otomíes.  The mixture and influence of the different cultures has permitted the entire state, from the modern capital to the small, little-known rural regions, to take part in this popular tourist attraction. 

Huastecos

The Huastecos (or Tenek) live in the eastern part of Hidalgo called the Huasteca region, in the river basin of the Pánuco River.  Although they are mainly found in San Luis Potosí, they can be found in other parts of the state.

Some examples of this culture include their typical clothing:  short, black skirts for women with fluorescent or bright colored blouses, “petob” (turbans made of worsted yarn interlaced with their hair that varies in size according to their native municipality), “quexquemetl” (cross-stitch embroidery with colorful thread in designs of the tree of life, flowers and local animals), hair nets and sashes.  Men wear trousers and shirts. 

Woven baskets made of palm and liana (vines) are the most prominent crafts of the Tenek.  Pottery is usually made by the women who make pots, comales (clay baking dishes used to make tortillas), pitchers, and containers of many different shapes and sizes.  The pottery is sometimes decorated with scenery.  They also make textiles, objects made from palm, blown glass pieces, masks and wooden chairs.   

In the towns to the north, there are groups that adjoin San Luis Postosí and have constant interaction.  These groups produce pottery, saddlery, carpentry, cabinetwork, floral arrangements, basketwork, woven pieces, tablecloths, bedspreads, small cloaks made of fine thread, chairs made from palm, lassos, fancy jewelry, knapsacks, bed rolls, bags made from palm and henequen (agave leaf fibers), as well as domestic crafts like nets and huipiles (woven blouses), knapsacks decorated with flowers, white blankets with plant motifs and wooden masks.   

The variety of their materials and the lively colors, surrounded by beautiful drawings make the Huastecan crafts a visual delight. 

Otomíes

Hidalgo is the crossroads for many states because indigenous settlements like the Otomíes occupy many states at the same time, from Michoacán to San Luis Potosí.

Although the men, little by little, have stopped wearing their native dress and are not very active in the arts and crafts, the women make their own skirts, blouses with flowered embroidered fabric and wraps, quexquemetl (blouses from this region), embroidered shawls and knapsacks.  The women principally make the crafts, using back strap looms, and other techniques.  They make napkins, sashes, quexquemetles, knapsacks, dolls and bracelets.

The Otomíes women are organized in a cooperative.  They live by and for their arts and crafts work.  They take their work to other states in Mexico, and with their great talent for sales, they even export to countries like Austria and Italy. 

Pachuca

In the city of Pachuca, also known as “La Bella Airosa” or “The Beautiful Windy”, due to its considerable winds, visitors will find fine silver pieces, and wonderful crafts made from reeds like flutes, toys and cages.  They will also find pitchers and candlesticks made from mud, carefully crafted pieces like miniature guitars and tombstones, and picture frames, boxes and mirrors made by affixing abalone shell to wood.  There are also many items like belts, knapsacks, blouses and hats made from palm and spiced up with vibrant colors.   

In December, during Christmastime, you’ll see the famous tenango tablecloth.  This cloth has 2 million points of colored thread that forms a great Christmas Eve flower.  More than the likeness of a flower, it is a tribute to nature. 

Various Municipalities

In the same way certain regions are known for particular types of work, like metalwork in the Valle del Mezquital,   mining in Zacualtipán, or wood carving in Sierra Gorda, Sierra de Molango, Huasteca and the Valle del Mezquital, various towns and municipalities all over the state specialize in specific crafts.  Here is a rundown in alphabetical order: 

In Acaxochitlán, they make textiles on rustic looms. Actopan produces carved stone objects, fireworks, and woven and embroidered textiles. The town of Alfajayucán creates hats made of palm, ceramic and pottery pieces, and objects made from rock and stone.  Huasca de Ocampo offers pitchers and dish sets made from red mud, forged iron and stone furnishings.  Huejutla produces pots, pitchers, jugs and kitchen utensils made from white mud, washcloths, bags and purses made from plant fibers, textiles and embroidery work.  In Huichipan, they make objects from marble and stone.  In Ixmiquilpan, they use ixtle and reeds to make baskets.  They also make pitchers and kitchen utensils, huaraches, embroidered textiles, fireworks and miniature musical instruments made from wood encrusted with mother of pearl.  Metztitlán makes pots, pitchers and ceramic objects. Molango is known for its saddlery and iron work.  In Tlahuelompa, you can find high quality bronze bells.  Zacualtipán produces footwear and fine saddlery, as well as objects and utensils made from hammered copper.

For those interested, the options vary by the area.  From decorative and delicate to sturdy homemade pieces, the crafts of Hidalgo are a great value for visitors.