How to Identify Zapotec Rugs
Zapotec rugs originate from a village called Teotitlan del Valle, located in the state of Oaxaca, in southern Mexico. The Zapotec culture is known for the crafts, and the wool rugs are known throughout the world. Although sometimes confused with Navajo rugs, they have their own very specific style using particular geometric patterns, natural dyes and a tapestry style of weaving. Once you become familiar with the Zapotec style, you should be able to recognize an original rug. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Learning the Features
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The key to recognizing a Zapotec rug is knowing what features are specific to the Zapotec style. The first and most important feature is the material used to make the rug. Zapotec rugs are made from sheep's wool. The process used to prepare the wool makes the thread smooth and resistant.
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Notice the colors. The colors used in making Zapotec rugs are made from all natural products such as insects, plants and minerals. The colors can be mixed to create a large pallet, but if the colors are too synthetic looking, that may be a warning sign that the rug is not original.
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Observe the style of the weaving. The designs in Zapotec rugs are created through their use of color as opposed to using various or complicated stitches to create a pattern. This flat or tapestry style of weaving is specific to the Zapotec rugs.
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Familiarize yourself with the designs used in Zapotec rugs. Notice that they are generally geometric in style. Although some artists will weave Navajo designs or duplicate paintings, a more traditional design would be pre-columbian, following Aztec and Mayan patterns such as pyramids or ancient temples.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the Internet or a reference book in order to look at photos of Zapotec rugs. You will notice a similarity in design and style even as you see rugs made by different artists.
