The Trujillo Legacy: Weaving Tradition and Innovation in New Mexico

In the heart of Northern New Mexico, where the land itself seems to hum with history, the art of weaving has long been a cornerstone of cultural expression. Passed down through generations, the intricate textiles of the region tell stories of resilience, adaptation, and identity. Among the families who have carried this tradition forward, the Trujillos stand as a testament to both the endurance and evolution of Rio Grande weaving.

A Thread That Spans Centuries

Weaving in New Mexico dates back to the early Spanish settlers who brought sheep and looms to the region in the 16th and 17th centuries. Over time, this craft blended with Indigenous techniques and aesthetics, creating the unique Rio Grande style. The Trujillos, whose lineage traces back to the 1600s in Chimayó, have been weaving for generations, preserving these traditions while also pushing their creative boundaries.

One such master weaver, a seventh-generation Rio Grande weaver Irvin Trujillo, has spent decades evolving traditional designs while honoring the foundations laid by his forefathers. His work, housed in museums like the Smithsonian and the Museum of Spanish Colonial Arts, reflects both his Hispanic heritage and his personal interpretations of modern life. His spontaneous weaving process—a practice passed down from his father—embraces the organic nature of creation, where each piece becomes a journey of discovery.

The Next Generation: Emily Trujillo’s Modern Take

At just 31, Emily Trujillo represents the next wave of weavers who are reimagining what Chimayó textiles can be. Raised in a family where weaving was more than a profession—it was an identity—Emily has taken up the mantle while also exploring new directions. At Centinela Traditional Arts, her family’s renowned studio, she continues to uphold traditional techniques while infusing them with contemporary aesthetics.

Emily’s work, much like her ancestors’, is deeply improvisational. Rather than adhering strictly to symmetry and geometric perfection, she allows each piece to evolve naturally. Traditional Rio Grande elements, such as serrated diamonds and thunderbirds, find themselves rearranged in unexpected ways, hovering across compositions with a modern sensibility. Her palette, too, breaks from the classic red, black, and white of her ancestors, introducing bold, vibrant colors like neon cerise—what she playfully calls “screaming pink.”

Keeping the Tradition Alive

The Trujillos understand that in order for their craft to survive, it must not only be preserved but also adapted. One of the biggest challenges they face is finding and training new weavers—a task made difficult in a world accustomed to instant gratification. To combat this, the family actively engages in teaching, offering classes in schools and community centers to spark interest in the meticulous art of weaving.

Partnerships with modern brands, such as Western apparel company Ariat, are also helping bring this heritage craft into contemporary relevance. Through a recent collaboration, Ariat provided a $50,000 grant to support the training of new weavers, ensuring not only the continuation of the craft but also stable employment for those who take it up.

The Future of Chimayó Weaving

As technology and modernization continue to change the landscape of art and craftsmanship, weavers like the Trujillos remind us that tradition is not stagnant—it is a living, breathing entity that grows with each generation. By balancing reverence for the past with a fearless embrace of the future, they ensure that the rich legacy of New Mexico weaving remains vibrant and relevant.

For those who have never run their fingers over a handwoven Chimayó textile, the experience is akin to touching history itself. The warp and weft are more than just threads—they are the interwoven stories of a people, a land, and an enduring artistic tradition. Through the work of the Trujillos, that tradition continues to thrive, carrying the soul of New Mexico into the future, one meticulous stitch at a time.