Chimayo, NM

The small town outside of Santa Fe, NM has become the center of a rich weaving tradition. In 1540, while Coronado led his expedition up the Mexican coast and into what would later become the southwestern United States, he brought along with him about 5,000 Navajo churro sheep. Not very useful for meat, the flock was used for their wool. Those who had settled in Chimayo began to use the wool to weave blankets with intricate designs in them. As the centuries went on, the blankets began to reflect a combination of the Navajo and Hispanic influences that existed in the region.

During the mid 1800s as the number of settlers and pioneers rose, so did the demand for the blankets. Their quality and craftsmanship protected pioneers from the cold desert nights. But after 40 years of booming business, with tens of thousands of blankets shipped out of New Mexico, mass mills and poorer quality wool threatened the weavers and their centuries old practice.

Those that continued had to adapt. And they did just that, developing one recognizable pattern that became known as the “chimayo design.” This design was characterized by two lateral stripes and a center design (usually geometric or some sort). In addition, the weavers moved from blankets to jackets and vests. They found those moving out west preferred them as they were easier to wear and carry around the frontier with them.

Today the art still exists, albeit on a much smaller scale than centuries ago. The town of Chimayo still exists, and they still practice their weaving tradition. Today, with an influx of poorly constructed garments, gems like those from Chimayo are highly sought after, fetching high price tags. Perhaps we had it right all along. Those few weavers who continue to make slowly & make well hold a valuable lesson. There’s a lot we can learn.