Origins of Indian Rug Design 

Indian rugs and their crafting are one of the most sought after types of rug design available today, and their creation dates back several centuries. The beginnings of these artistic pieces go back to the functionality of the rugs, and thus they are made of extremely durable fibers and with a very secured method to anchoring the threads.

History of Indian Rugs

Indian rugs are known to date back well before the European migration to North America. There are two major forms of creating these rugs and they are known as those that have been “loom-woven” and those that have been “finger-woven.” Loom-woven rugs tend are made using the weaving machine, which can easily create colorful patterns and designs in the rug. Finger-woven rugs are made without the benefit of a loom-like structure and thus tend to take a bit longer to produce, but with more of that ‘hand-made’ style that is often sough after in the rug market.
One of the most desirable forms of a finger-woven rug is called the “chilkat” blanket or rug and is created by the people of the Tlingit society. These rugs are of an extremely tight-weave and have great value in the intricacy of the patterning and design placed within.

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Particular Tribal Contributions

The Seminole Indians first created their rug works through the traditional methods listed above. They however expanded their development of this art into waist garb and into patchwork design that can be found in both rugs and in quilts. They developed this new method of creating their rugs and blankets (which were often used interchangeably) through the Spanish influence to their way of life after they began to take over the South-Western Portion of the United States. 
The Sioux Indians introduced the star-like design to their rugs and/or blankets usually creating the eight-pointed star into their artwork. Before developing this form of patterning, the Sioux were known best for their hand-painted coverings on buffalo skins. Both forms add to the evolving sense of rug creation as it emerged from their cultures.

Types of South-Western Patterning Developed

Of course, the many tribes that were originally from America all had intrinsic elements that defined their culture and their beliefs. Yet those that came forth from the South-Western tribes tend to have the most demand and the most desirable elements in the market today. And there are still many styles to choose from within these Southwestern tribal designs. Some of them are: Taos, Inca, Bhutan, New West, Sahara, and Painted Desert. All of these have distinctive colorations and patterning within their designs and are some of the more popular choices sought after today.

Historically, Indian rug making has developed from a functional piece used for a variety of differing purposes; a rug, a blanket, etc. all in one; and has evolved into a very beautiful art form representing their beliefs and cultural elements. Seeking out the design that is most pleasing to you can be a fun and informative process as you being to understand and appreciate the civilizations from which these rugs actually came from.