Southwest Zapotec Rugs - 10 Facts
Posted: Saturday, August 08, 2009
by Craig Chambers - Mission Del Rey
Mission Del Rey
Each and every Zapotec rugs is different with each having a unique design. These handwoven wool rugs are created by the famous Zapotec Indians. Over the years, their rugs have become collector's items.
1. Zapotec weavings are appreciated because of their old world craftsmanship, beautiful colors, and one-of-a-kind designs and patterns. These Indian rugs are ideal home decor accessories for rustic homes and cabins, southwest style homes, or anyplace where you need to bring color and rustic elegance.
3. Learning some of the history of Zapotec rug making helps you more fully appreciate them. Weaving them is a time consuming work. The Zapotec Indians are an ancient people. They didn't have any known stories or legends. They believed that they were born of the natural elements of their land, like the trees and rocks.
4. They were basically and agricultural center until the 1500's and the Spanish conquest. They received new concepts of weaving wool from the Spanish priests. They brought the loom design. The Spanish also brought the first sheep from Europe and taught the Zapotec how to weave it. The region of Teotitlan Del Valle in southern Mexico is a historical place. This is where the world-renown rug making originated and still continues today.
5. The vibrant colors and designs are the first thing you will notice about Zapotec weavings. Some rug weavers have started to use synthetic dyes. However, here are still a lot of weavers who prefer traditional and natural elements from the region to color their wool. Go by the workshop of an Oaxacan rug weaver during the week. You might see them stirring wool. They use large pots of rich colored dye, outside on an open fire.
6. Some of the things that are used to create the dye for the wool include moss, bark, plants, seeds, fruit and flowers. One of the natural dyes that they use is very interesting, it comes from an insect called the cochineal. After the drying of the insect is completed, it is crushed to make a fine red powder. This powder is used to make a rich scarlet colored dye.
7. Rug weaving often involves the whole family. Each member has a part in the creation of a beautiful rug. The wool first has to be cleaned and then washed. Next, it is dyed. Then, the next step is to spin it into yarn. All of this preparation work must be done before the weaving process can begin.
8. It is intriguing that every rug has a design all its own. Each is a unique masterpiece of the artist. The fact that no two rugs are the same is one of the reasons that make these rugs very popular.
9. Zapotec rugs are ideal for American Indian art collectors that like original or one-of-a-kind pieces. They are also ideal for anyone who who enjoys Indian arts and crafts or rustic style home decorating.
10. You have the choice to use your Zapotec rug, as a classic floor rug. You can also use it as a southwestern wall hanging or tapestry. You will certainly appreciate the unique beauty and craftsmanship of these Indian rugs. With so many styles and colors to choose from, you will no doubt find the perfect rug to match your decor.
You can usually get Zapotec rugs or other southwestern rugs in specialty stores that offer home decor. However, it is vary common to find a better deal online. Dress up your southwestern or rustic style home. Add a splash of color to your home decor. Share the unique beauty and high quality that is a part of Zapotec rugs.
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Craig Chambers is the founder of Mission Del Rey Southwest, offering unique southwest Zapotec rugs and money saving rustic decorating tips. Get his popular free ebook. http://www.southwesternrugstyle.com
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