American Cotton
Cotton has been grown in the Americas for thousands of years. It was grown in South America, Mexico and the Southwestern US. The Ancient Puebloans grew, spun, and wove cotton thread into beautiful complex textiles worn in ceremonial life and for special occasions.
Embroidery was a common design technique among the
cotton weavings produced by the Anasazi between 800
and 1300 AD. This Jemez shirt is a tour de force of
embroidery. It reveals a strong Meso-American
influence, particularly in the areas where the cotton
foundation comes through the red and brown embroidery.
The red blocks running along the shoulders and waist
of the shirt are stylized tobacco leaves. The presence
of stars and tobacco gave the owner of this garment
the opportunity to be simultaneously clothed in the
earth and the sky. - Joshua Baer |
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HANO AND WALPI GIRLS WEARING AROO Photo by E. S. Curtis
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