19th Century Antique European Portuguese Carpet

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The durability of needlepoint makes it suitable for the creation of carpets and floor coverings. The tradition of creating needlepoint … Read more The durability of needlepoint makes it suitable for the creation of carpets and floor coverings. The tradition of creating needlepoint rugs in Portugal has a fascinating story that begins back in 1492 with Queen Isabella of Spain. During the Renaissance, needlepoint was used to create chair coverings, footstools, pillows, bed headboards, floor coverings, and even some clothing pieces. It was durable and could stand up to heavy use.

Spain had a 700-year history of occupation by the Moors, and it had a significant Jewish population as well. These ethnic groups played an important role in Spanish history and made a significant contribution to the culture. They were an integral part of Spanish society, but in 1492 Queen Isabella issued a proclamation that expelled the Moors and Jewish from Spain. The proclamation called for their rapid departure, and they had little time or ability to take many of their possessions with them. They boarded ships and headed to other parts of the world where they had few ties and few resources to establish themselves.

One of these groups was a community of Jews who landed in Arraiolos, in the southern part of Portugal. They had few skills or resources to make a living, but the women brought their knowledge of needlepoint with them and began creating carpets to sell as a means of survival. Journals from the Renaissance talk about groups of women in the village working together outside under shade trees and on their front porch steps as they created these beautiful needlepoint carpets. See less