The wood and paper case, as well as the style of the brass mat, suggests an American maker for this ambrotype, although these materials were imported for the use of photographers in Mexico and other Central and Latin American countries. The fact that the slip of paper identifies Pedro Ybana Dudagertia as the “bald” one, in English, is more evidence that this image is American in origin.
The brothers’ clothes indicate that they were quite prosperous; notice especially the embroidered vest and the multiple chains (probably gold) on Manuel.
We don’t know where this photograph was taken, nor can we be certain of these two men’s nationality, but it should be remembered that many former citizens of Mexico remained in the territories annexed by the United States after the war with Mexico. Many of these people were already well established in business, the trades, or in farming and ranching.