Large Red Chimayo Blanket with Thunderbird Design [R]

The Spanish settlers who came to Northern New Mexico in the Seventeenth Century brought a distinct weaving tradition with them. For hundreds of years they used the wool of the Churro sheep and wooden floor looms to create blankets to keep them warm during the cold New Mexico winters. The designs on these blankets were creative masterpieces of design and color. This tradition continues up until today. Within the small Northern New Mexico village of Chimayo, families continue to weave beautiful textiles.

This textile is a perfect example of the continuing tradition of Spanish weaving in Northern New Mexico. It was woven on a traditional Spanish loom. The designs are distinctly Chimayo. The current owner purchased the piece in 1958. It has been kept in a blanket chest since then. It is in pristine condition. The bright red is as vibrant today as it was 50 yeas ago.