Artists in ancient Mesoamerica used deer, jaguar, and other animal skins to make percussion instruments, weapons, and sandals. Later, Spanish immigrants introduced cattle, sheep, and hogs to the New World, expanding the raw materials leatherworkers could use. Today, artists use cow, goat, lamb, deer, fox, ocelot, sable, and badger hides to make bags, wallets, shoes, saddles, holsters, and other products.

The Kikapú Indians from northern Coahuila (related ethnically and culturally to Native Americans from the Great Lakes region, now living in Texas, Oklahoma, and Mexico) make exquisite moccasins, chaps, and deerskin vests. Cueras (jackets) from Tamaulipas also merit special mention. Part of the regional dress of the area, the jackets are made out of suede or timbre, soft leathers with no imperfections.

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