The Centinela Weavers of Chimayo: Unfolding Tradition
More and more Native Americans are finding that their traditional crafts can provide a living today. The growing interest in collecting these crafts has created a need for books that define the quality of the work available. These two entries in the Southwest weaving category show that the traditions of the past are being intertwined with modern artistic concepts. The traditions of the Zapotec weavers, who come from a small village near Oaxaca City, Mexico, go back to the early colonial era. At times, the rugs and serapes of these weavers reflect the old patterns, but there is a burst of new vigor with the incorporation of Navajo themes, designs from old ruins and pictographs, and even takes on Picasso and Rivera. Community life and the process of wool preparation and dying are effectively chronicled, as are the varied and astonishingly vibrant rugs. The weavers of Chimayo, NM, are the Trujillo family, five generations who have also used traditional themes but who diverge into experimental forms. Their rugs, also done on a floor loom, are colorful variations on Navajo and Hopi themes. The text interweaves family history with methods and includes a 15-page catalog for "limited edition" purchase. Both books include "Where To Buy" sections and are for specialized collections of Native American arts.AGay Neale, Southside Virginia Community Coll. Lib., Alberta, VACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.