300px|Rows of "Marias" for sale in San Angel, Mexico City The best known Mexican rag dolls are those whose origins are most likely in the south of the central state of Queretaro, which have been called "Marias" but are more commonly called simply "rag dolls" (muñecas de trapo). Mexico has a long history of making rag dolls, but the ones known popularly from their appearance nationally, especially in tourist venues may date back only to the 1970s, part of a project to enhance income opportunities for Otomi women in the Amealco municipality . Although Amealco is strongly connected to these dolls, their making is not limited and has spread into various states, with some variations in dress and appearance, but always keeping with wide faces and hair generously braided with ribbons.
300px|Rows of "Marias" for sale in San Angel, Mexico City The best known Mexican rag dolls are those whose origins can be traced back to México City with the creation of a workshop "Centro de Capacitación Mazahua", with the intentions to enhance income opportunities for the Mazahua-Otomí people after their migration to the larger cities, in search for a better future. In Queretaro, they have been called "Marias" and they have registered a patent for the doll as an attempt to increase tourism, it's been criticized by some people because it could be perceived as an attempt to culturally appropriate a craft that belongs to the Mazahua-Otomí people. Throughout the country people call them "rag dolls" (muñecas de trapo). Mexico has a long history of making rag dolls, but the ones known popularly from their appearance nationally, especially in tourist venues may date back only to the 1970's during the time the workshop was running . Although Amealco is strongly connected to these dolls, their making is not limited and has spread into various states, with some variations in dress and appearance, but always keeping with wide faces and hair generously braided with ribbons.
R
are most likely in the south of the central state of Queretaro, which
can be traced back to México City with the creation of a workshop "Centro de Capacitación Mazahua", with the intentions to enhance income opportunities for the Mazahua-Otomí people after their migration to the larger cities, in search for a better future. In Queretaro, they
R
but are more commonly called simply
and they have registered a patent for the doll as an attempt to increase tourism, it's been criticized by some people because it could be perceived as an attempt to culturally appropriate a craft that belongs to the Mazahua-Otomí people. Throughout the country people call them
R
1970s, part of a project to enhance income opportunities for Otomi women in the Amealco municipality
1970's during the time the workshop was running