Mexico has granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status to the Cuera Tamaulipeca, a traditional leather garment from the northern border state of Tamaulipas, marking a significant step in preserving the region’s cultural heritage.
The designation, awarded by the Mexican Institute of Intellectual Property (IMPI), ensures that the name “Cuera Tamaulipeca” can only be used for garments produced in accordance with registered technical standards and within the defined geographical area. The move is designed to safeguard the authenticity of the garment and prevent imitation.
Often crafted from calfskin or deerskin, the Cuera Tamaulipeca is distinguished by its intricate floral designs, light leather detailing and long fringes across the sleeves, front and back. Artisans in the Tamaulipas highlands, particularly in Tula and Ciudad Victoria, have been producing the jackets using traditional techniques for more than a century.
“The Cuera Tamaulipeca is not only a work of art crafted with skill and patience; it is an emblem of the strong, noble, and hardworking character of our people,” Tamaulipas Tourism Minister Benjamín Hernández Rodríguez told Mexico News Daily.
The recognition follows a technical assessment led by the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas (UAT), which documented the garment’s historical and cultural ties to the region and verified that producers met IMPI’s criteria.
Under the new rules, certified producers must label their garments with “Protected Geographical Indication Cuera Tamaulipeca” or the acronym “PGI,” providing assurance of authenticity to buyers.
IMPI will now seek international recognition of the designation through Mexico’s trade agreements, while local authorities plan to position the Cuera Tamaulipeca as a central symbol in tourism campaigns.
The designation is the first of its kind for a product originating from Tamaulipas. Unlike Denomination of Origin (DO) status, which ties a product’s characteristics to environmental factors, PGI recognition is based on a product’s reputation and cultural identity within a specific region.
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