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Using Zapotec Rugs to complement rustic decor is a simple way to create southwestern style in your home. These wool rugs are known around the world for their great quality, bright colors, and unique design. Indian rugs are the perfect southwestern accessory for use in ranch style homes and cabins, southwestern homes, or anywhere you would like to add color and elegance. They look great when used with southwestern decor, and also make great rustic wall art for complementary style on your walls. Like the Navajo rug of North America, Zapotec rugs make it easy to create great southwestern or Native American style throughout the rooms of your home.

Understanding the background of Zapotec rug making allows you to fully appreciate the time consuming work of weaving rugs. The Zapotec Indians, a people with a long history and no known legends of migration, believed themselves to be born of their natural environment. They were primarily farmers until the Spanish conquest, when they were introduced to new forms of weaving by the Spanish. Along with the design of the loom, the Spanish transported the first sheep from Europe and taught the Zapotec how to weave. The area of Teotitlan Del Valle in Oaxaca is where the world-renown rug making started and still continues today.

The bright colors and patterns are the first thing you will observe about Zapotec weavings. Though some rug artists have started to use synthetic dyes, many still use the traditional and natural elements from the area to dye their wool. If you happen to pass by the home of an Oaxacan rug weaver throughout the day, you might see them stirring wool in large pots of beautiful colored dye, over an open fire. Some of the elements used to dye the wool come from nature. One of the most interesting dyes they use comes from the cochineal, an insect known to the area. Once the insect is dried, it is then crushed into a very fine red powder used to make a beautiful red dye.

Often the whole family is included in the business of rug weaving, with each person taking part in the creation of a beautiful rug. The wool undergoes the process of washing, dying and spinning before the weaving process begins. You will find it very fascinating that each rug has a unique design and is a beautiful creation of the artist. The fact that no two rugs have the same design is one of the reasons that make these rugs very popular. Zapotec rugs are ideal for American Indian art collectors that like one-of-a-kind pieces, or for those who appreciate Indigenous arts and crafts and rustic home decorating.

In whatever way you choose to use your Indian rug, whether as a traditional floor rug, or as a Native style wall hanging or tapestry, you will truly appreciate the quality design of these Indian rugs. With such a wide selection to choose from, you will no doubt find the perfect one to match your decor. Although you might come across Zapotec rugs or similar style southwest rugs in home decor stores, you will probably find better deals online. Add great character to your southwestern or rustic style home, with the beauty and elegance that is characteristic of Zapotec rugs.

Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and offers free tips online about buying Zapotec rugs for rustic home decorating. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com