Tequio comes from the Nahuatl tequitl, work or tribute. It is the work that members of a community give to their community. Article 12 of the Constitution of the State of Oaxaca says that municipal and community authorities “preservarán el tequio como expresión de solidaridad,” will preserve tequio as an expression of solidarity. Tequio for works of common benefit may be counted by law as payment of municipal contributions.