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Used as western accent rugs and also southwest area rugs in the different rooms in your home or when decorating a log cabin with a rustic or western theme, southwestern rugs give your home character and a definite authentic Native American look.
When buying American Indian style rugs, you will find many of southwestern style rugs to choose from and will definitely want to add a few of the most popular and sought-after rugs in your home decor. These rugs have a rich history that has evolved over time and can truly be considered as great works of art.
Among the most popular southwestern and western rugs are handmade area rugs, spirit rugs, Mexican Guadalupe rugs, Oaxaca Mexico rugs including Zapotec Indian rugs, Mohair and Navajo rugs. Each of these types of rugs mixes unique colors and characters, symbolizing spirituality or depictions of historical events.
An excellent example of this is brought to life in the Southwestern Spirit rug which combines a wide variety of colors and designs. The spiritual characters weaved into these rugs are created in a variety of patterns and forms that show the spirituality of the people.
Not only are southwestern rugs known for their great beauty, but the skill and hard work needed in making Native rugs and runners is also very impressive. The makers of hand woven wool rugs are highly skilled and star the rug making process by kneeling in front of a vertical wooden-framed loom.
The designs are then put into place by using a shuttle to weave a variety of colored yarn together, making large-scale geometric characters and designs. Initially, Navajo rugs as well as those of some other Southwest Indian tribes were made of hand-spun cotton thread. However, after the wool of domestic sheep was introduced to the area by the Spanish settlers, the people mainly used wool to weave their colorful rugs and other traditional weaving.
Today, many of the modern southwestern rugs are woven in areas where Spanish and Native American histories joined together to create colorful designs. Southwest rugs, with their rich earth tone colors and unique southwestern designs make them a great choice for rustic home decorating.
If you are searching for great southwestern rugs, you will likely purchase from American companies or directly from Native American weavers. Purchasing rugs from Navajo or other American Indian tribes not only gives you the satisfaction of knowing that you have a southwestern rug that is woven by Native Americans but also helps to support the Native American heritage of rug making, and the people who themselves sell their rugs, blankets, and Native American art.
The rug you choose will greatly depend on what your tastes are and what kind of decorating you decide on. You will find that southwest rugs are an excellent southwestern accent when combined with rustic or western home furnishings. Whether you are changing your home decor or decorating an entire house using a southwestern theme, you will come across many designs and colors available to choose from.
Among these options you will find everything from Zapotec rugs with no two alike, to southwest table runners and western tapestries. Designers love hand woven rugs because of the rich colors and textures. Whatever your decorating style and whatever your decorating needs, you will definitely enjoy the warmth and color brought to life in your home by decorating with southwestern rugs.
