Botita

Leather craftsmanship in Mexico has a long tradition that dates back to the pre-Columbian era, when leather was used for clothing and tools. With Spanish colonization, leather processing developed further, especially with the introduction of tanning techniques and the processing of cowhides. Mexican leather workers continued traditional methods such as vegetable tanning and combined them with new techniques.

The Vaquero boots, also known as "botas vaqueras", are a specific type of boot that originated in the 19th century. They were worn by Mexican cattle herders, the "vaqueros". The boots are direct precursors of the modern cowboy boot that later developed in the United States. The Vaquero boots were characterized by their high shape, reinforced toe caps and special patterns on the leather that served both functional and decorative purposes.

The high shaft shape of the vaquero boots offered protection and stability while riding, while the decorations often reflected regional or individual designs. The development of these boots influenced the design of the cowboy boots that became popular in the USA, while retaining many of the original features.