Learning from the Grandmothers: The 2023 Traditional Technologies Navajo Weaving Seminar

Presenters: Barbara Teller Ornelas, Lynda Teller Pete, Kevin Aspaas, Calandra Cook, Elisio Curley, and TahNibaa Naataanii
In October 2023, six Diné weavers traveled to Washington, D.C. for a week to study historic and contemporary Navajo textiles at the National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Natural History, and The Textile Museum. Led and organized by master weavers and educators Barbara Teller Ornelas and Lynda Teller Pete, the seminar group also included emerging artists Kevin Aspaas, Calandra Cook, Elisio Curley, and TahNibaa Naataanii. Sponsored by the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society (AAHS) Traditional Technologies program, the seminar’s goals were to learn more about the yarns, dyes, and techniques used to create the older weavings, experience the artistry and resiliency of their weaving ancestors, create opportunities for artistic growth, and expand Diné perspectives in Navajo weaving education, interpretation, and scholarship.
In this hybrid Zoom and in-person presentation, the participants share their experiences from the seminar with the AAHS membership. They will also share examples of their own weavings inspired by the research.