The University of Arizona

Rug Details

Crystal rug
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Ella Rose Perry at her loom
Ella Rose Perry at her loom.

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Crystal rug
Date: 1985
Artist: Ella Rose Perry, born 1929
Clan: Naakaii dine’é, born for Honágháahnii (Mexican People, He-Walks-Around People)
Size: 81" x 58"
Count: 58 wefts/inch

“Ella Rose Perry of St. Michaels adopted the local style of plant-dyeing and weaving when she took a job at a community school in Crystal, New Mexico, in 1960. Since then she’s never stopped weaving her trademark pastel rugs with their soft, slightly hairy texture. She often has a list of clients waiting for her special rugs.” —Ann Hedlund

“This woman is funny, hilarious; you’ll know her when she comes into the room. She has a smiling face—shaking people’s hands, making people laugh, cracking jokes.” —Barbara Ornelas

“Her work shows how playful you can be with your weaving—it doesn’t have to be completely serious. These designs look like video game characters—if you’ve ever seen ‘Galaga’ or ‘Centipede,’ [which are] Atari games. To me, her designs look like these little men trying to hug you—open and friendly.” —Michael Ornelas

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