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Each and every Zapotec rugs is different with each having a unique design. These wool rugs are only created by the famous Zapotec Indians. Their rugs are 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.
2. They work wonderfully when used as traditional area rugs. They also are perfect for use as rustic wall hangings and tapestries. Use them for added color and design on your walls. In many ways they are a lot like Native American rugs made by the Navajo Indians. Zapotec rugs can help designers and yourself easily create southwestern style or Native American decor in any room.
3. Learning some of the history of Zapotec rug making helps you more fully appreciate them. Weaving them on a vertical loom is a very labor intensive work. The Zapotec Indians are from an ancient civilization. They didn't have any known stories or legends. They believed themselves to be born of the trees, rocks and other things found in nature and their land.
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 loom design. It was also the Spanish who introduced 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 the same place where the world famous rug making began and still continues now.
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. Go by the workshop of an Oaxacan rug weaver during the week. You will probably see them dying the wool. They use big pots of colored dye, cooking the rich colors over a fire.
6. Some of the natural things they use to dye 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 usually includes the entire 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. Then, the next step is to spin it 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 artwork of the weaver. The unique quality that every rug is different is one reasons why these rugs are so very popular.
9. Zapotec rugs are perfect for American Indian art collectors who are looking for original or one-of-a-kind weavings. 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 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 can usually get Zapotec rugs or other southwestern rugs in specialty stores that offer home decor. However, you will probably find better deals 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 southwestern Zapotec rugs and decorating tips. Get his popular free rustic decorating ebook. http://www.missiondelrey.com
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on 7/3/2009 12:00:59 AM. View other articles written byCraig Chambers - Mission Del Rey(1,318)
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