Primitive rugs were introduced in America by sailors and European settlers who were familiar with the art of making hooked rugs. The exact time and place of origin of primitive rugs is not known, though various sources attribute their origin to ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Nordic civilizations. Some scholars even hold that the art of hooking rugs may be as old as prehistoric times. The art is not lost, though it is not common to find, unless you are looking for a particular park or area that hosts a day or historic crafts, such as hooking.

Primitive Rugs in America

In America, the oldest rugs were the hooked rugs that are dated back to the eighteenth century and are now preserved in museums. Rags and leftover fabrics were the main kind of materials for making these primitive rugs. Their use is supposed not to have been limited to bed only but also on tables and other furniture items, before they were used for adorning the floor. By the mid 19th century, making hooked rugs had become a popular business in America, especially in New England and along the Canadian coastal areas. If you read a novel from the era, you will probably see this mentioned as a past-time of the women of that time.

Styles in Primitive Rugs

Hooked primitive rugs vary in their styles, decorative designs, and the degree of artistic imagination. Patterns of flowers are one of the most popular decorative themes used by the early rug-makers. The individual designs vary from simple blossoms to complex patterns of extended bouquets. Also in vogue at those times were depiction of animals, natural scenic views, and scenes from daily life. Sailors and women living in coastal areas were especially doting on creating marine designs on rugs as is the case today when you walk into a coastal town or shop. If you choose such a theme, it is easy to decorate quickly by visiting such venues as these.

The Popularity of Hooked Rugs

There is historical evidence that the early hooked rugs were very popular among lovers of folk art. Commercial production of these hooked rugs started at around the mid 19th century at which time the designs of Edward Frost went hit among a large number of rug-customers. The originality of Frost's primitive rugs was not excelled by the later rugs made for commercial sale. Even today, hooked rugs made in some parts of the country, or those imported from abroad, are in big demand.

Buying Primitive Rugs

The historical significance and originality of design make old hooked rugs a choice item for many enthusiasts of old art. This does not mean that these rugs are very rare; they can be found in many shops throughout the country. The buyer should, however, carefully inspect the rug's condition, its design, and the soundness of its construction. Old rugs showing a minor degree of damage can be repaired cheap but those having more than one damaged spot may cost a lot since repair of old rugs costs more than usual repairs.