Indian Summer in the Sunroom 2014
There is that period that is often referred to as "Indian Summer". Technically, it is known as "a period of unseasonably warm, dry weather, occurring after the end of summer proper" (Wikipedia). I am going with the idea of an Indian Summer in the sunroom for the next couple of months. I'm using much of what has grown to become another fairly extensive collection of mine - Native American decor. It's not entirely pedigreed, but it's certainly a melting pot of examples from Apache to Zuni, and many in between.
Indian Summer in the sunroom - vintage Native American rug addition
I have a keen interest/fascination with Native American art and artifacts which comes, in part, from my heritage. My paternal grandmother was part Native American Indian (Cherokee), so there is a trace of that in my lineage.
The cloaked Indian artwork (above), a previous gift to my mother, is on display in the sunroom, a subtle reminder of her. I also have a dream catcher that belonged to her, and placed it under a cloche in the sunroom (below).
My regional location and its history indicates we live in a riverbed area that was pre-historically inhabited by the Paleo-Indian and Archaic People. After being excavated for the first time ever in its documented history, our adjacent lot landscape renovation in 2004 revealed several flint articles that are, most likely, remnants of tools used by the Paleo-Indians. They have become my conversational 'rock' collection that you see pictured below.
I happily added to my collection in our travels, picking up both newer pieces by modern craftsmen as well as vintage pieces.We stopped at the national historic park site of the J L Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado, AZ. It is there where I purchased some vintage jewelry, as well as a local, artisan-made Native American runner in an authentic Navajo rug pattern. My collection of Native American smalls includes woven baskets - from a large, primitive figural olla.....
...and vegetable-dyed, hide-covered woven gathering basket....
....to several smaller vessels, plants and other vintage items throughout the sunroom and adjacent areas.
Succulents and antique water vessel
Zuni pot and reference books
The decor, along with the brick walls, the natural tones of the furniture coverings, and the outdoor shadowplay of the sun seem to give the indoor room a new energy.
Native American decor collage
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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