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10 Facts About Zapotec Rugs For Southwest Decor

By Craig Chambers

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 07Jul2009 Word count: 611 Viewed: 547 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Zapotec rugs are beautifully woven rugs. They are hand made by by the Zapotec Indians from the state of Oaxaca , Mexico. These wool rugs are known around the world.

1. Zapotec weavings are desired for their traditional craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and one-of-a-kind design styles. 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. Understanding the history of Zapotec rug making allows you to fully appreciate them. Weaving them is a time consuming work. The Zapotec Indians are an ancient people. They had no known legends or stories of migration. They believed themselves to be born of the trees, rocks and other things found in nature and their land.

4. They were primarily farmers until after the Spanish conquest during the 1500s. They were introduced to new methods of weaving by 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 might see them stirring 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 a part in the creation 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 can choose to use your Zapotec rug, as a traditional 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 so many styles and colors to choose from, you will no doubt find the perfect rug to match your decor.

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.

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