Weaving Is Life : Navajo Weavings from the Edwin L. and Ruth E. Kennedy Southwest Native American Collection

by McLerran, Jennifer

• ISBN13: 9780295986524
• ISBN10: 0295986522
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-01-30
• Publisher: Univ of Washington Pr

Summary

Weaving Is Lifefeatures multiple generations of Navajo weavers. Exquisitely crafted artworks and compelling first-hand narratives demonstrate how Navajo weaving functions as an important carrier of cultural values. Those with expertise in weaving practice are valued repositories of traditional cultural knowledge. Navajo weaving reinforces and allows the artist to participate in values of hard work, thrift, and creativity. It facilitates knowledge of and the proper care and nurturing of the environment. Weavers are depended upon to convey insight and expertise to subsequent generations, which has served to further important mother-daughter and grandmother-grandaughter bonds. Featured artists include D. Y. Begay, Grace Henderson Nez, Mary Henderson Begay, Gloria Jean Begay, Glenabah Hardy, Irene Clark, Teresa Clark, Lillie Taylor, Rosie Taylor, and Diane Taylor-Beall. D. Y. Begay also contributes an insightful essay on her experience as co-curator of the exhibition that accompanies this publication. Essays by Janet Catherine Berlo and Jennifer McLerran focus on the transcultural development of Navajo weaving, exploring the influence of varied markets and audiences-including indigenous, tourist, and fine arts-on traditional forms and practices. Museum educator Sally Delgado addresses the educational value of Navajo weaving practices for non-Native students.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. 5
Textile as Cultural Text: Contemporary Navajo Weaving as Autoethnographic Practice	p. 8
"It's up to you-": Individuality Community and Cosmopolitanism in Navajo Weaving	p. 34
Weaving Is Life: A Navajo Weaver's Perspective	p. 48
"Where I'm from..."	p. 54
From Sheep to Loom: A Museum Educator's Perspective	p. 56
Plates	p. 60
Bibliography	p. 79
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