Rug Runner 1935 - 1942

This rug runner was anonymously made with woven textile. The tight, vertical weave shows the grid that underlies the structure of the rug. But look closer and you’ll see that this regularity is disrupted by subtle shifts of color in the weft, creating a gently rippling effect. Textile production is deeply associated with labor, especially that of women. In the past, rugs were woven at home, a task integrated into domestic life. But as the industrial revolution took hold, textile production increasingly moved into factories, where workers often faced harsh conditions. Even when made by hand, the repetitive act of weaving can be incredibly demanding. When we consider this rug, we should not only appreciate its visual appeal but also reflect on the countless hours of labor required to make it. It reminds us that even the simplest of objects has a rich story to tell, connecting us to broader social and economic histories.