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Writer's pictureErin Stone

Chimayo Culture in Color, Patterns and Wool Rugs

As you continue to visit our website ( www.bootblankets.com ) and explore the vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and various styles of our exclusive custom Boot Blankets, it's important to note that these products are not just a distinctive fashion choice. They also represent the remarkable and diverse legacy of the Chimayo Weaving Era.


History of Chimayo Weaving


Chimayo weaving has its origins in the 16th century, when churro sheep were introduced to the New World by Francisco Vázquez de Coronado's expedition. These sheep, valued for their durable wool, thrived in the dry landscapes of northern New Mexico. The combination of Spanish weaving methods and native patterns by settlers and indigenous tribes resulted in the creation of distinctive wool blankets.

New settlers kept coming from old Mexico to New Mexico, bringing horses, sheep, missionary priests, and soldiers, constructing residences and defenses, tending to herds, and cultivating fields. Weaving became essential for producing clothing, blankets, and rugs. They utilized wool from their flocks, and despite having access to white, black, and grey wool, they quickly adopted vegetable dyes made from local plants to add vibrant colors to their textiles.

In the 19th century, the territory experienced significant changes as it transitioned from New Spain to the newly formed Federal Republic of Mexico in 1823, then to independent Texas, and eventually becoming an American Territory in 1850. New Mexico was officially granted statehood by the United States government on January 6, 1912.

Each blanket showcased the skill and creativity of the weaver, embodying a rich tapestry of colors and patterns that narrated tales of tradition and belonging. Local residents traded these woven treasures within a barter system that persisted until the mid-1800s, when the advent of tourism via railroads introduced a monetary economy. By 1878, the arrival of American tourists and modern technology through the railway networks revolutionized the isolated villages, reshaping weaving from a cultural tradition to a vital source of income. Tens of thousands of wool blankets were meticulously crafted and sold to sustain the community. However, with the onset of the Industrial Revolution came automated looms and artificial dyes, leading to a decline in the demand for handmade blankets. The once prosperous industry now faced an uncertain future.

Even though there was a decrease, the tradition of weaving in Chimayo never disappeared. Families kept practicing and passing on their weaving skills, using them for themselves and safeguarding their cultural legacy. In the early 20th century, a resurgence of Chimayo weaving emerged. Weavers from Santa Fe brought in a fresh approach, featuring two plain stripes and a central motif, which became known as the Chimayo design. This contemporary interpretation revitalized the custom, drawing in visitors and enthusiasts who wanted to acquire a part of New Mexico's diverse history.


The Art of Chimayo Weaving


In Chimayo, the weavers utilize a method called plain weave, which involves two harnesses to weave the weft yarn over one warp thread and under the next. This plain weave is referred to as "weft-faced," indicating that the visible side of the fabric is solely made up of weft yarn, with the warp threads concealed beneath.

Chimayo weaving is unique in that it does not have a distinct front or back; both sides are identical in appearance. By blending shuttle weaving and tapestry weaving, the weavers are restricted in the kinds of connections and color shifts they can employ. While other tapestry traditions around the world may exhibit loops, bumps, or lengthy threads on the textile's reverse side, Chimayo weaving, rooted in a blanket heritage, strives to eliminate any messy aspects, guaranteeing that both sides of the blanket are equally attractive and practical.

Early blankets often showcased "candlestick" shapes spaced a short distance apart to form a side-border effect. The central patterns typically included small chevron motifs, and striped borders at the top and bottom were common in traditional Chimayo blankets. These characteristics connect the design elements of the Rio Grande Saltillos with the later evolution of the Chimayo style.


Boot Blankets from Our Collection


Handcrafted on a loom reminiscent of traditional weavers, every wool Boot Blanket embodies a rich history, progress, and creativity. The hues, designs, and fabric serve as a testament to both beauty and utility. Sporting these rich tones showcases your commitment to upholding the Chimayo weaving heritage and the individuals it sustained in the past and present.




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