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The Fading Allure of Native American Rugs

By Craig Chambers

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 19Sep2010 Word count: 435 Viewed: 266 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Rug making is a very important aspect of the culture of the Native American people. This art should be preserved. Rug makers are becoming scarce as this generation is showing less of an interest in carrying on old traditions than past generations.

The weaving of Native American rugs and blankets is the best known type of textile art available in North America. Typically, they are extremely pricey, but the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail are impeccable. These rugs are still made in the traditional way in the southwestern United States, as well as in Mexico. The artisans kneel in front of a loom made of wood, and they weave colored threads using a shuttle. They make impressive and large scale geometric designs.

The original Native made rugs were made of hand spun cotton thread but they shifted to wool when domestic sheep were introduced by the Spanish. Navajo designs are only but one of the many impressive Native American rugs that can be found.

Another interesting method used for making these rugs is through finger weaving. This was a key method used since ancient times and up to this day, immaculate finger weaving is done by many tribes. One of these is the tribal rug of the Tlingit people known as Chilkat. Another is the Seminole sash. Patchwork is also an essential area of the textile art of Native Americans.

Although they have their own methods of making textiles, quilting which was taken from Europeans was given a new kind of energy with their skilled craftsmanship. They are also known for their star quilts. Many other designs also still exist but in modern times, mass production as well as a more modern life style has greatly impacted this exquisite tradition. Native American artists are dying out. Some are doing all they can to keep their artwork and hand crafts alive.

Right now, there are very few of those resilient weavers that use the old traditions of Native American rugs. Because of the long amount of time spent to work on these rugs, the prices could go up to 6 digits, especially vintage ones. Only a very little percentage of the younger generations of Native Americans are studying the intricate art of making Native American rugs.

For those who desire to get an exclusive design that exudes the Native American culture, it would be a perfectly good investment. Though this would not be for general use, but rather, a more ornamental and decorative piece, it would be great if more people come to recognize the ancient and slowly withering tradition of Native American rug making.

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