There are a number of images that go through a person's mind when they are surrounded by primitive country decor. They see a crackling campfire, radiating its warmth to the people huddled around it, telling stories. They see the grandmother sitting in a rocking chair with words of wisdom mixed with hugs and kisses. They see the clear night sky, the tall spring grass, and the vibrant colors of the leaves in autumn all at once. How is it, then, that primitive country decor can evoke all of these images?
Well, in truth, it is due in part to cultural background. A person thinks of these things when they look at examples of primitive country decor at least partly because they have been trained by cultural references to associate these things. But there is much more than just their past experiences at work. Another aspect of the primitive country style that helps to evoke theme images is, well, the visual style itself. Primitive decor is essentially a style filled with things that look simple, old, and natural. The images of a campfire come from the raw wooden features that many primitive pieces have. The thoughts of their grandmother come from the antiqued look of the objects, and the warm images that the style uses.
The thoughts of nature are evoked by the fact that primitive country decor usually uses not only a great deal of natural materials, such as woods and so on, but also because the color schemes are often very reminiscent of the colors you find all around you in nature. Deep greens carry the image of the spring grass, while faded reds and yellows bring thoughts of the leaves of autumn. All of this imagery works together to give the style its appeal, certainly, but it goes even further than that.
There is an unexplainable quality to primitive country decor. It is all but impossible to be surrounded by it and not feel warm and safe. The qualities of primitive decor simply have a universal appeal. Often, the style uses very soft, gentle features, such as dolls and stuffed animals, making them even softer by giving them an aged look, and then it contrasts that softness with the rougher textures of raw wood. It may seem like a bizarre idea at first glance, but somewhere between the soft fabric of a stuffed rabbit and the rough bark of the raw wood furniture, there is magic.
Primitive country decor is really a very loose style at its core. You can usually bring together a perfectly good roomful of decor items by walking through a flea market and perhaps an art fair or two. There is no strict line in the sand that says where primitive country decor begins and ends, but it is always easy to recognize. Simply look for things that show a sense of warmth, an antique essence, and a showcase of nature's beauty in its raw forms. The greatest aspect of the style is that as soon as you come across the right mix of elements, you will instantly know it. Just look for thought of campfires and rocking chairs.
Copyright (c) Kayla Berringer, 2006. All Rights Reserved.
Indian baskets have been part of Native American culture for many years. I enjoy using these hand-crafted baskets to bring southwestern style to my home. It is fascinating when you begin studying the history of Indian basket making and find that the use of baskets actually started centuries ago and is one of the oldest art forms known in Indian history.
Indian baskets, weaved by Tribes such as the Pueblo, Apache, Navajo and Tarahumara are famous for their beautiful, hand-crafted designs and elaborate styles. As you read about basket making, you will find that in many Native American Tribes, women are given the task of basket making and learn the art as a young girl from their mothers. Baskets are used for many things in the daily lives of the Native Americans and are a source of economic survival for the people.
As you will see, Indian baskets not only work well as rustic decorating accessories, but they are also very useful. Originally, baskets were created by Native Americans as a way to protect valued things such as food, clothing, animal hides, blankets and even water. Hundreds of years ago, Indian Tribes changed locations regularly and needed ways to protect their belongings while still being able to carry them quickly.
Unlike pottery, baskets were resistant and would not break. Today, Tribes still use baskets in their households and dwellings to keep their belongings clean and organized. They also serve as a means of income for many Indian Tribes, and play an important role in Indian events and rituals, such as Navajo wedding ceremonies, and in rights of passage ceremonies.
There are many kinds of Indian baskets and each Tribe has their own variations. Southwestern, Tarahumara Indian baskets are some of the most sought-after in the world and are considered a true form of art. The way these baskets are made is truly incredible and is very thrilling to watch. The two types of baskets that this Tribe makes are the yucca or sotol as it is also known, and baskets made of pine needles. Yucca baskets are very popular and are woven in a variety of designs and sizes. Pine baskets are more commonly found in the mountains where pine trees are prevalent, but are smaller than the yucca baskets and not as durable.
There are many kinds of weaving styles Indigenous people use in basket making that differ between Tribes. The guari style, the most popular weave among the Tarahumara in the Northern Mexican mountain country, is round on the top, somewhat square, and has four distinct corners on the bottom. The petaca is another type of weave used generally in the canyon regions, and is round and often double woven. Sometimes the leaves are run across a stone to dull the sharp edges before the basket is made.
Native baskets come in a variety of styles, designs and colors depending on the Tribe and the area where it is made. Even if you are not able to go to the tribal location and choose a unique basket of your own, you can still own a piece of this Native form of art. It is easy to buy southwestern style baskets online and in stores that sell chic, rustic and country style interior decorating accessories. Bring American Indian culture to life in your home with one of a kind, hand-crafted Indian baskets.
Both Kayla Berringer & Craig Chambers are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Kayla Berringer has sinced written about articles on various topics from Buying and Selling Home, Home Improvement and Kids and Teens. Visit Rustic Adornments to receive free ideas as well as advice about. Kayla Berringer's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.
Craig Chambers has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interior Design, Culture and Society and Interior Design. Craig Chambers is the director of and offers free information online about purchasing. Craig Chambers's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.