Presented in this lot is a Zapotec Roadrunner Wool Rug Runner, circa late century. This cream coloured rug features a central stylized figure of a roadrunner in colours of black and blue with geometric "roadrunner" images in colours of blue and light green above and below. Horizontal bands in colours of black, blue and light green bracket the central roadrunner as well as the geometric "roadrunners". Borders are finished in white fringe, corners have cream coloured tassels. In Mexican and Indigenous folklore, the roadrunner is a deeply revered creature, and its imagery carries profound spiritual significance. When modern artisans incorporate a roadrunner into Zapotec-style designs (frequently seen in Oaxacan hand-carved alebrijes, beadwork, or woven textiles), the image fuses the bird's natural survival traits with ancient Mesoamerican beliefs. The most profound symbolic meaning behind the roadrunner image stems from its feet. Roadrunners have zygodactyl feet, meaning they have two toes facing forward and two facing backward. Because of this unique anatomy, their footprints leave a perfect "X" pattern on the ground. In regional Indigenous lore, this "X" track completely conceals which way the bird is traveling. It is widely believed that the symbol confuses and misleads evil spirits, throwing negative energy or malicious entities off-track if they try to follow. The rug is in very nice condition. Measures 32"W x 61"L, weight is 3lb, 10oz.