Taos’ rich tradition of weaving

TEXTILES have been part of Taos’ economy and culture since the Coronado expedition first introduced churro sheep to northern New Mexico more than 450 years ago. Soon after, the now-iconic striped Rio Grande blanket appeared. Today, the artist colony is a locus for all things woven, from Navajo rugs to high-end knitting.

At Weaving Southwest, the rugs are treated like high art: mounted on crisp white walls with gallery lighting. Tapestries here are from contemporary artists, so many of the works are more reminiscent of Mark Rothko paintings than traditional tribal blankets. Prices range from $450 for Donna Loraine Contractor’s 22 1/2 -inch “Fractured Squares” to $5,800 for some of James Koehler’s vibrantly dyed weavings.

Weaving Southwest, 216-B Paseo del Pueblo Norte; (505) 758-0433, www.weavingsouthwest.com.

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Chimayo Trading & Mercantile, next to San Francisco de Asis church, displays Native American weavings alongside pottery, jewelry and sculptures. The walls are ringed with works by members of the Laughing family of Crystal, N.M., who raise their flocks and dye the wool. The hand-woven, natural-dyed rugs feel as soft as Merino sweaters -- although they cost a good bit more, up to $6,000. More affordable souvenirs: $20 woven coasters and doormat-size rugs for less than $40.

Chimayo Trading & Mercantile, Ranchos Church Plaza, No. 1; (505) 758-0504, www.chimayotrading.com.

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If you’re looking for tapestries with a bit of history, Taos Fine Art, off the downtown plaza, offers hand-woven, pre-1950 Navajo rugs alongside contemporary designs. Prices for modern sunrise flat-weave tapestries are $375 to $549; 8-foot runners can be had for less than $200.

Taos Fine Art, 103 Kit Carson Road; (505) 737-5333.

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Even if “bombyx silk” means nothing to you, check out Taos’ most famous knitting establishment, La Lana Wools. The shop overflows with bouquets of plant-dyed colors in mohair, cashmere, silk and other blends of natural fibers.

La Lana Wools, 136-C Paseo Norte; (505) 758-9631, www.lalanawools.com.

-- Joyzelle Davis