Rug Of The Week - Tree Of Life by Eleanor Towne

by John Aldrich

There are signs of change here in Utah suggesting that spring might actually come after all. And what is more closely associated with spring than birds and flowers. That makes this week's rug a perfect choice for those feeling the up-swelling of optimism that comes with this change of seasons.

Tree Of Life rugs always seem happy, but this one is even more so due to the inclusion of flowers in addition to the traditional birds.

Eleanor Towne is a younger weaver and connected to ANE by virtue of her father-in-law, Howard Towne, who participates in the Many Farms food run. She specializes in this particular pattern and has added several distinctive touches. One of these is the inclusion of flowers. She also has limited her background colors to green, black and white.

Eleanor has been weaving since she was nine years old and sold her first rug when she was eleven for $9. She recalls that the sale provided her with the means to purchase candy for a whole month.

Eleanor is typical of many weavers on the reservation in that this is the primary means of support for her family. Her back was injured in a car accident some years ago so she can only weave when she is feeling well enough. So she must make the most of her good days to support herself and her husband who is disabled due to blindness.

If you would like to bring some spring cheer to your house, our rug this week is number 7171 in the catalog. It measures 18" x 28" and is priced at $350.

To see more rugs, new and old, visit the Rug Catalog.

See this 2010 post for more information about the rug catalog.

Notes: Every effort has been made to photograph and present the rugs with as accurate rendition of color as possible. It's not possible, however, to be certain that your computer won't show some variance. Where two prices are listed in the catalog, the higher represents what the weaver hopes to receive and the lower, the minimum she will accept. As has always been the case at ANE all the proceeds of every rug sale go entirely to the weaver. Prices are set by the weaver, and since there is no "middleman" they are typically very reasonable.

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