A mid-20th century rag area rug, the oatmeal field is framed by irregular protruding stripes from the border in shades of yellow and beige. Proliferating in regions where the winters were long, the climate cold and the economy limited, American hooked wool rugs were traditionally made by pulling a narrow strip of cut fabric up through a foundation material (typically burlap or linen) with a special tool. Settling in coastal New England and Canada, the fishermen, farmers, and the womenfolk who emigrated from Northern Europe brought with them traditional crafts and a common culture that led to the evolution of handmade vintage area rugs that are now considered a significant category of American folk art. Motifs for American hooked antique oriental rugs were often inspired by the maker’s natural environment consisting of seashells, fallen leaves, animals, the family dog, buildings, flowers, baskets, seascapes, and landscape vignettes.