| By :
Craig Chambers
Native American made rugs can many times be expensive to purchase. Their cost is due to their high hand made quality. Unfortunately, the people making the rugs are shrinking in number because no one wants to learn the art anymore. Grandparents are unable to teach their grandchildren as was the case in past generations. The weaving of Native American rugs and blankets is the best known type of textile art available in North America. Typically, they are extremely pricey, but the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail are impeccable. In the southwestern United States, as well as in Mexico, these rugs are still made in the traditional way. The artisans kneel in front of a loom made of wood, and they weave colored threads using a shuttle. They make impressive and large scale geometric designs. Shifting to wool when domestic sheep were introduced by the Spanish, the original Native made rugs were made of hand spun cotton thread. One of the many impressive Native American rugs that can be found is the Navajo designs. Another interesting method used for making these rugs is through finger weaving. Immaculate finger weaving is done by many tribes which was a key method used since ancient times. One of these is the tribal rug of the Tlingit people known as Chilkat. Another is the Seminole sash. Another essential area of the textile art of Native Americans is patchwork. Although they have their own methods of making textiles, quilting which was taken from Europeans was given a new kind of energy with their skilled craftsmanship. They are also known for their star quilts. Many other designs also still exist but in modern times, mass production as well as a more modern life style has greatly impacted this exquisite tradition. It's sad to realize that there are fewer Native American artists than ever. Some are doing all they can to keep their artwork and hand crafts alive. There are very few of those resilient weavers that use the old traditions of Native American rugs in today's times. Because of the long amount of time spent to work on these rugs, the prices could go up to 6 digits, especially vintage ones. Only a very little percentage of the younger generations of Native Americans are studying the intricate art of making Native American rugs. For those who desire to get an exclusive design that exudes the Native American culture, it would be a perfectly good investment. Though this would not be for general use, but rather, a more ornamental and decorative piece, it would be great if more people come to recognize the ancient and slowly withering tradition of Native American rug making.
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