Saltillo

These pieces have their design roots in the Classic Saltillos of eighteenth and nineteenth century Mexico where they were used as signs of wealth and prestige. Eventually they become an important symbol of Mexican nationalism. Weavers here were influenced by the Mexican textiles, but the wealth needed to produce such time consuming and beautifully detailed weavings simply didn't exist here in New Mexico. So the Saltillos here are much simpler and coarser. Still, Rio Grande Saltillos demonstrate great variety of design, drawing on many elements of Saltillo style, but in a less formal, more energetic way. It usually approximates the style of a bordered rectangle with a serrate diamond in the center.

For more information on the Saltillo, click here.