The original piece that inspired this MouseRug was made in Mexico in the late 1880s and is a very unusual example of a Saltillo-style serape. Other than the fact that it is longer than it is wide – a traditional serape quality – the overall design is quite a departure from the bright colors, central diamond motifs, and border stripes one associates with Saltillos. The weaver of this textile created something quite original by using natural wools, indigo dye and a checkerboard pattern. The result is as equally bold and optically dynamic as a traditional Saltillo-style serape but overall distinctively different and fresh.