In 2005, the United States Postal Service honored the rich textile heritage of New Mexico with the release of the 37-cent Rio Grande Blankets stamp booklet. This issuance, part of the American Treasures series, features four distinct designs showcasing the intricate artistry of 19th-century Rio Grande blankets.
Historical Context
The tradition of Rio Grande weaving traces its roots to the late 16th century when Spanish colonists introduced Andalusian churro sheep, indigo dye, and the horizontal treadle loom to the Rio Grande region. These innovations revolutionized local textile production, enabling settlers to create durable and vibrant fabrics. By the 1840s, the demand for Rio Grande blankets had surged, with tens of thousands being traded annually from New Mexico. The designs predominantly featured stripes and diamond motifs, influenced by the weavings of Saltillo, Mexico.
Stamp Details
Issued on July 30, 2005, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the booklet comprises twenty self-adhesive stamps, with five sets of the four unique designs. Each stamp presents a high-quality photograph of a traditional Rio Grande blanket, sourced from esteemed collections such as the Museum of International Folk Art and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture in Santa Fe, as well as the Taylor Museum in Colorado Springs. The art director for this project, Derry Noyes, selected these pieces to highlight the cultural significance and aesthetic beauty of the textiles.
Design Significance
The featured blankets exemplify the weft-faced weaving technique, where the horizontal threads (weft) create the visible pattern, while the vertical threads (warp) remain mostly concealed. This method allowed for the creation of complex geometric patterns and vibrant color combinations, characteristic of Rio Grande textiles. The stamps not only celebrate the artistic craftsmanship of these weavers but also serve as a tribute to the cultural fusion that defines the American Southwest.
Collectible Appeal
As the fifth issuance in the American Treasures series, the Rio Grande Blankets stamps have garnered appreciation from philatelists and art enthusiasts alike. The series aims to showcase the nation’s rich artistic heritage, and this particular release highlights a unique aspect of American textile history. The stamps are available in mint condition from various dealers, offering collectors an opportunity to own a piece of this commemorative series.
1. Rio Grande Blankets - Yellow, orange and red stripes 37c stamp (Scott #3926)
- Design: This blanket features bold horizontal stripes in red, blue, and white, a hallmark of early Rio Grande weaving.
- Historical Influence: Striped blankets were among the earliest produced in the region, influenced by Spanish and Mexican textiles, particularly the Saltillo sarape.
- Symbolism: The striking contrast and vibrant colors reflect the influence of natural dyes like indigo (blue) and cochineal (red), both valuable trade commodities.
2. Rio Grande Blankets - Chevrons and Stripes 37c stamp (Scott #3927)
- Design: A dramatic yellow and black color scheme featuring a central diamond pattern, with geometric borders.
- Historical Influence: This design is reminiscent of Mexican Saltillo blankets, though adapted by Rio Grande weavers to fit the larger, rectangular looms introduced by the Spanish.
- Symbolism: The diamond motif is a common pattern in Native American and Hispanic textiles, symbolizing protection, strength, and the four cardinal directions.
3. Rio Grande Blankets - Yellow and Black Diamonds 37c stamp (Scott #3928)
- Design: Features a bold double-diamond pattern in light-yellow and against a blue background.
- Historical Influence: Double-diamond motifs became more prevalent in the late 19th century, as Rio Grande weavers incorporated Navajo and Pueblo influences into their work.
- Symbolism: The double diamond may symbolize duality (night and day, male and female, earth and sky) or protection against evil spirits.
4. Rio Grande Blankets - Zigzag diamonds 37c stamp (Scott #3929)
- Design: Features jagged, serrated stripes in red, white, and brown, a more complex variation of the standard striped blanket with a blurred shape of a diamond in the center.
- Historical Influence: This design represents a shift towards more intricate patterns in the mid-19th century, as weavers began experimenting with more elaborate, interlocking motifs.
- Symbolism: The serrated edges may represent mountain ranges, water flow, or energy, a motif often seen in Navajo and Pueblo textiles.
Conclusion
Each of these blankets represents a different phase in the evolution of Rio Grande weaving, from simple stripes to intricate diamonds and serrated motifs. They highlight the cultural exchange between Spanish settlers, Mexican artisans, and Native American weavers, showcasing the unique blend of traditions that define the textiles of New Mexico.
