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10 Facts About Zapotec Rugs For Southwestern Style

by

Craig Chambers

Zapotec rugs are one-of-a-kind hand woven wool rugs. They are personal Indian art creations made only by the Zapotec Indians. These wool rugs are desired from collectors around the world.

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 the perfect decorating accessory for use in rustic homes and cabins, southwest style homes, or anywhere you would like to add color and elegance. 2. They work wonderfully when used as traditional area rugs. They also make great rustic wall hangings and tapestries. Use them for added color and design on your walls. They are quite similar to the Navajo rugs of North America. Zapotec rugs make it easy to achieve great southwestern or Native American style in any room of your home. 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 from an ancient civilization. They had no known legends or stories of migration. 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 learned new techniques of weaving from the Spanish priests. They brought the design of the loom. The Spanish also brought the first sheep from Europe and taught the Zapotec how to weave it. The area of Teotitlan Del Valle in Oaxaca is a special 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, many still use the traditional and natural elements from the area to dye their wool. Pass by the home or workshop of an Oaxacan rug artist throughout the week. You will probably see them dying the wool. They use large pots of rich colored dye, outside on an open fire. 6. Some of the elements used to dye the wool include moss, bark, plants, seeds, fruit and flowers. One of the most interesting dyes they use comes from an insect called the cochineal. Once the insect is dried, it is then crushed into a very 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 their role in the production of a beautiful rug. The wool must first be cleaned and washed. Next, it is dyed. After that, it is spun into yarn. All this must be done before the weaving process begins. 8. It is fascinating that each rug has its own design. 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 perfect for those who enjoy Native arts and crafts and rustic 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 definitely appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of these Indian rugs. With the many different styles and patterns available, you can find the perfect rug to go with your furnishings. You might find Zapotec rugs or similar style southwestern rugs in stores that sell home decor. However, you will probably find better deals online. Dress up your southwestern or rustic style home. Add some color to your home’s decor. Share the beauty and quality that is characteristic of Zapotec rugs.

Craig Chambers is the founder of Mission Del Rey Southwest, offering unique southwestern

Zapotec floor rugs

and decorating tips. Get his popular free rustic decorating ebook.

missiondelrey.com

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10 Facts About Zapotec Rugs For Southwestern Style