| Using Zapotec Rugs to complement rustic decor is a | | | | of an Oaxaca rug weaver throughout the day, you |
| simple way to create southwestern style in your | | | | might see them stirring wool in large pots of beautiful |
| home. These wool rugs are known around the world | | | | colored dye, over an open fire. Some of the elements |
| for their great quality, bright colors, and unique design. | | | | used to dye the wool come from nature. One of the |
| Indian rugs are the perfect southwestern accessory | | | | most interesting dyes they use comes from the |
| for use in ranch style homes and cabins, southwestern | | | | cochineal, an insect known to the area. Once the |
| homes, or anywhere you would like to add color and | | | | insect is dried, it is then crushed into a very fine red |
| elegance. They look great when used with | | | | powder used to make a beautiful red dye. |
| southwestern decor, and also make great rustic wall | | | | Often the whole family is included in the business of |
| art for complementary style on your walls. Like the | | | | rug weaving, with each person taking part in the |
| Navajo rug of North America, Zapotec rugs make it | | | | creation of a beautiful rug. The wool undergoes the |
| easy to create great southwestern or Native | | | | process of washing, dying and spinning before the |
| American style throughout the rooms of your home. | | | | weaving process begins. You will find it very |
| Understanding the background of Zapotec rug making | | | | fascinating that each rug has a unique design and is a |
| allows you to fully appreciate the time consuming work | | | | beautiful creation of the artist. The fact that no two |
| of weaving rugs. The Zapotec Indians, a people with a | | | | rugs have the same design is one of the reasons that |
| long history and no known legends of migration, | | | | make these rugs very popular. Zapotec rugs are ideal |
| believed themselves to be born of their natural | | | | for American Indian art collectors that like one-of-a-kind |
| environment. They were primarily farmers until the | | | | pieces, or for those who appreciate Indigenous arts |
| Spanish conquest, when they were introduced to new | | | | and crafts and rustic home decorating. |
| forms of weaving by the Spanish. Along with the | | | | In whatever way you choose to use your Indian rug, |
| design of the loom, the Spanish transported the first | | | | whether as a traditional floor rug, or as a Native style |
| sheep from Europe and taught the Zapotec how to | | | | wall hanging or tapestry, you will truly appreciate the |
| weave. The area of Teotitlan Del Valle in Oaxaca is | | | | quality design of these Indian rugs. With such a wide |
| where the world-renown rug making started and still | | | | selection to choose from, you will no doubt find the |
| continues today. | | | | perfect one to match your decor. Although you might |
| The bright colors and patterns are the first thing you | | | | come across Zapotec rugs or similar style southwest |
| will observe about Zapotec designs. Though some rug | | | | rugs in home decor stores, you will probably find better |
| artists have started to use synthetic dyes, many still | | | | deals online. Add great character to your |
| use the traditional and natural elements from the area | | | | southwestern or rustic style home, with the beauty |
| to dye their wool. If you happen to pass by the home | | | | and elegance that is characteristic of Zapotec rugs. |