Southwestern Rugs

Few places have the distinctive draw of the American West, especially the Southwest states.  With its mix of peoples, cultures, and a long and interesting history, the world as we know it just wouldn't be the same without the unique contributions of this fascinating region.  Anyone who has spent time there can attest to at least some of the romance associtated with the Southwest being true- the big, blue skies, the wide open spaces, and breath-stopping sunsets to name just a few of the qualities states like New Mexico and Arizona are known for.  It's not for nothing that New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment, and visitors to these ruggedly beautiful desert regions often wish they could take a piece of the desert with them, something that encompasses the special qualities of the place while serving as a reminder of how very different life is there.  When it comes to mementos that do justice to this region of the world, nothing can be as authentic, special, and meaningful as the Southwestern rugs you will find here.

     

We're talking about Southwestern area rugs that were originally used to cover the floor of the various traditional shelters of the region, including adobe and the Navajo hogan.  Such rugs were painstakingly made first from natural plant fibers, and later with wool after Spanish colonists introduced sheep to the new world.  Most Americans are surprised when the find out that while the United States of America is less than 250 years old, the oldest city in America, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is over 400 years old.  Southwestern rugs are the work of the area's indigenous peoples, who have been around for much longer than that.  The Spanish settlers marvelled at the skill required to produce these rugs, which were more than just simple area rugs for covering open floor.  Through the use of abstact geometric patterns, some depicting scenes and inhabitants of the desert, meaning was encoded into the rugs by each individual weaver.  Some rugs speak of the power of the sun, and of living harmoniously with it.  Others feature totem animals that convey qualities like wisdom or bravery.  And some rugs also contain meanings that only the weaver knows.  No two rugs were the same, and the work was done with great care and focus.  As a rule, a Southwestern area rug will feature bold, vivid patterns and colors that, more than any manmade object, evoke the spirit of the Southwest.  And although the Navajo tradition is one of the most esteemed when it comes to rugmaking, the rugs of other tribes in the U.S. as well as from Mexico are also highly regarded.  Navajo rugs often feature earth tones and impart a calming, grounding atmosphere to a room.  New traditions have also emerged, with rugs that are made to have a Southwest feeling but may contain new images not used before, or perhaps a new way of using pattern.  Some of the main styles of Southwestern rugs besides Navajo are spirit rugs, modern Southwestern rugs, Mexican Guadalupe rugs, Oaxaca Mexican rugs, and mohair rugs.  The choice of a rug is highly personal and will also depend on existing decor what a person already has inside their house.    

A real, handmade rug will be quite costly, but that's because you are paying for something that was painstakingly made by a skilled craftsman.  It is also the only rug in existence of its kind.  Southwestern wool rugs are the best choice and preferred over synthetic materials for reasons of durability, cleanability, natural insect repellent and water resistant qualities, as well as comfort and aesthetics.  If you are looking for a genuine article, a handmade wool Southwestern rug is it.

Of course, many people feel they can't afford the real deal but still want the distinctive charm of Southwestern style rugs.  Today, these can be found mass produced by many companies and many feature very attractive designs that would be great for bringing energy and brightness to a room.  The popularity of traditional Native American design means you can find many places that have Southwestern rugs for sale.  Southwestern style area rugs are common in many living rooms across the country, and these may be fine rugs that, while not handmade, are still of good quality and make excellent accent rugs.  If such factory-produced rugs are more in your price range, by all means choose them instead of getting a handmade rug you can't afford.  If the rug is made of wool, you will still be able to bring that Southwestern energy into your home and have it last.  Remember that paying more for a rug may be justified in some cases if you consider that oftentimes, the rug may legitimately be considered art.            Many people purhases Southwestern throw rugs or rugs to hang up on their walls to show off the compelling designs of these wonderful rugs.