Beginnings of Southwest Design

Living far from their routine lives in Mexico the 18th and 19th century settlers in the New Mexico territory had to make do with what they had at hand.  They took arts and crafts and made it uniquely their own which even today is "the Southwest Style."

Early settlers used soft pine wood, colored clay and native plants for dyes.  Some of the earliest objects now found in museums tell a story such as  painted wooden statues found in carved out wall niches.  These were common in almost every home and were "our Lady of Sorrows" made by "san teros" (makers of sacred objects).  Coverlets called "colcha" were created by embroidering wool yarn on wood or on cotton cloth.  (image at left)

Since they were limited to soft pine for wood, carpenters crafted sturdy furniture by using tenon and motise joints, fastened with pegs.  Other museum pieces include a hammered copper pot for chocolate with a wrought iron handle to stir the beverage before serving.  Settlers carried outside shields for protection against deadly arrows.  The shields were brightly colored with objects such as animals painted on them. 

The Southwest style is still popular today - bright colors, wood materials decorate many of our homes and get their beginnings with the early Spanish settlers in the Southwest.

Next time...The French in Texas?
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On this Day in Pioneer History: "On June 2, 1823, Arikara Indians attack William Ashley and his band of fur traders, igniting the most important of the early 19th century battles between Indians and mountain men.