The Weavers Of Chimayo

Taken together, these perspectives form a case study of the adaptability of a craft tradition to the modern world.

This is the story of the Trujillo weaving family of Chimayo, New Mexico, and the long history of a weaving tradition that begins with Spanish settlement in the region. Richly illustrated with examples of dynamic contemporary blankets, as well as some of the textiles and weavers who came before, the book chronicles how the craft evolved from a winter necessity into the celebrated art form that it is today.

A how-to book on Chimayo weaving consisting of information gathered from decades of weaving, research, and experience running a Chimayo weaving business.

The name "Chimayó" is derived from the Tewa Indian term Tsi Mayoh and was given to a sacred place of the Pueblo Indians located in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between Santa Fe and Taos. Many of the Spanish colonists who settled in Chimayó after peaceful reentry to New Mexico in 1692 were descendants of those who left Castile and Extremadura. Nurtured by their faith and strengthened by the traditions and skills they brought from Spain, settlers converted a harsh environment into a fertile, green valley that provided them a livelihood for several generations. In 1810, Don Bernardo Abeyta, a prominent citizen of Chimayó, discovered a crucifix buried near a sacred well of healing earth, where he built a church. This is the site of present-day Santuario de Chimayó, also known as the "Lourdes of America." Over the centuries, the descendants of Chimayó colonists developed a unique weaving tradition that is also known throughout the world. Present-day Chimayó offers a unique glimpse into a culture that has endured for centuries.

Situated just 30 miles north of Santa Fe off the High Road to Taos, the highly acclaimed Rancho de Chimayo Restaurant has been serving traditional New Mexican cuisine in a beautiful setting for half a century. The atmosphere at this traditional Spanish hacienda, surrounded by mountains, is rivaled only by the fine, native cooking served in the grand early tradition by generations of the Jaramillo family. In 1991 the restaurant published a modest paperback cookbook for their silver anniversary. Twenty-five years and 50,000 copies later comes this beautiful new edition, just in time for the 50th anniversary celebrations. All recipes are completely revised and updated, with more than twenty delectable new dishes added. As an extra bonus, the book also features charming archival images as well as stunning full-color food and location photography, making this a beautiful keepsake of a special place as well as a mealtime companion to turn to again and again.

Taken together, these perspectives form a case study of the adaptability of a craft tradition to the modern world.

Ten-year-old Maria Cristina goes to visit her grandfather so that he can teach her to weave, as her family in northern New Mexico has done for seven generations.

By the late 1800s, the major mode of transportation for travelers to the Southwest was by rail. In 1878, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway Company (AT&SF) became the first railroad to enter New Mexico, and by the late 1890s it controlled more than half of the track-miles in the Territory. The company wielded tremendous power in New Mexico, and soon made tourism an important facet of its financial enterprise. All Aboard for Santa Fe focuses on the AT&SF's marketing efforts to highlight Santa Fe as an ideal tourism destination. The company marketed the healthful benefits of the area's dry desert air, a strong selling point for eastern city-dwelling tuberculosis sufferers. AT&SF also joined forces with the Fred Harvey Company, owner of numerous hotels and restaurants along the rail line, to promote Santa Fe. Together, they developed materials emphasizing Santa Fe's Indian and Hispanic cultures, promoting artists from the area's art colonies, and created the Indian Detours sightseeing tours. All Aboard for Santa Fe is a comprehensive study of AT&SF's early involvement in the establishment of western tourism and the mystique of Santa Fe.