An old pal just sent me some pics of a little rug he picked up years ago and has always wondered about. Based on the pics-does this like Navajo,Mexican or something else entirely ? He didn't send dimensions, but I'd guess it's somewhere in the 1foot by 3 foot range. Thanks all as always !
Thanks much gents. So I could probably tell him that this was basically a 15" by 30" small blanket ? PS-Least that's all they seem to have in this weeks Chimayo catalog.
Chimayo weaving is one of the most misunderstood and misidentified styles of weaving, even though it has been made since the Spanish settled in the area around what is now Chimayo, New Mexico, in the 1600s. (New Mexico has been a U.S. state since 1912, for those "unaware.") If you want a reference to confirm, see the website for the Spanish Colonial Arts Society which has contact links for information: https://www.spanishcolonial.org/ Or if you ever go to the Santa Fe area, visit Ortega's Weaving Shop in Chimayo (about 30 miles away). Paul Ortega manages the shop now, the eighth generation of the family of weavers to own the shop started by his Spanish ancestors. He can fill you in on the history, and how generations of Spanish weavers are insulted when their weaving is called either "Mexican" or "Native American." It is neither. It is Hispanic. The definitive printed reference on the subject is the book "Chimayo Weaving, the Transformation of a Tradition" co-authored by Helen R. Lucero, "the" recognized authority on Chimayo weaving. The internet is now full of Chimayo weavings, identified (and sold) as Native American. And now with the use of AI, the problem seems to be increasing. At least on that website so many of us used to belong to!
Thanks Taupou- I'll check that website and tell my pal about it. PS-Now that you mention it, we went to the Sanctuario De Chimayo & Ranch De Chimayo restaurant abt 35 years ago, but missed the weaving studio. We visited Canyon Rd,Governors Palace,Abiquiu,Taos and Ojo Caliente. As a person into graphic design-mostly I remember the original Mimbres Pots I couldn't afford at a grand or two each !
Ortega's Weaving is located on Hwy. 76 (the High Road to Taos). The whole area around Chimayo is like being in a foreign country. So much to see, and explore, but getting around can be confusing, at first.
The Sanctuario was extraordinary and the high road to Taos amazing.We found a simple tiny church on the edge of Abiquiu that was only used certain days of the year (high holy days ?). The arid rugged scenery and adobe buildings made me feel like we were walking thru the holy land-otherworldly beauty.
Absolutely one of my favorite places to visit! Just remember, however, that some of the villages in that part of the world, don't necessarily want tourists or non-locals hanging around. (Not Chimayo, they are used to it, and many businesses there depend on "outsiders") but it is something to keep in mind, to be respectful, and not ask too many questions! Best to blend-in, if possible.
In Abiquiu 35 plus years ago-we definitely got some curious looks from the villagers.Some of their adobe houses looked to my gringo eyes,bronze age. We took a back road on the outskirts of town and came across an artist painting a tiny adobe church,he said-'You really shouldn't be here, this place is sacred-but if anyone questions you,tell 'em you know me", and he gave us his card. The village looked from another time and place.
I'd imagine now with the O'Keefe house being open to visitors-maybe the towns a bit more tourist savvy ?
