This weaving has been in our family four generations. Great Grandfather Oliver Tuft acquired this and many other artifacts during his job in the Southwest in the early 1900s. He worked as a salesman for the National Biscuit Company selling to the Native Indian reservations in the Territory of Arizona environs. Originally there were 18 of these beautiful native wool rugs in the family but only four or five have survived. Over the years the remaining rugs have been treasured and maintained by their owners. One was proudly displayed in Seattle, Washington by his daughter, Katherine Blainey as a wall hanging. In Tacoma, Washington another daughter, Winifred Tuft tended several for the next generation. Now they belong to the fourth generation. Recently one was hurriedly tossed in the truck along with the family cat and dog in an effort to escape an approaching raging Methow Valley fire by great grandchild Katie Haven. Pets, rug and all survived.
This particular rug came from the Crystal Trading Post in the Chukka Mountain Range of New Mexico and dates from 1910 – 1915. Rugs from this source have a distinctive bordered geometric composition, often with hooks, frets, and whirling logs as does this one.
From the Haven Family / Katie / Victoria Haven (Great-grandchildren of Oliver Tuft) and Sylvia Haven (Grandchild of Oliver Tuft).