Friday, March 29, 2024

‘Decolonizing myself’

‘Decolonizing myself’

Workshop attendees learn tradition as well as weaving

WINDOW ROCK

Vanessa Martinez, 17, decided to learn to weave because she believes it is the start of her decolonization process.

“I have this concept of decolonizing myself, and this was a way to start,” said Martinez. “This was a way to do it and everything else will follow through … this makes you want to get sheep and do all that.”

Martinez, along with other eager learners, came together June 20-24 for the Working the Wool Weaving Workshop. Being that this is the Navajo Nation Museum’s first workshop on weaving, museum curator Clarenda Begay said a month before the workshop they held a wool preparation classes to help beginners understand the hard work that goes into weaving.

“I wanted the weavers to know that you just don’t fit into weaving just like that,” said Begay. “I want them to know the process. If you know the process you have a better appreciation for it, for being a weaver.”

Begay explained that Working the Wool, instructed by weaver Lois A. Becenti, taught the basics of weaving as well as teachings behind the art. Begay said that Becenti is knowledgeable in Diné tradition and gave valuable advice when it came to weaving designs and techniques, as well as sharing traditional teachings behind rug weaving.

“It’s for the young ladies to carry on our tradition, to carry on the traditional skills as a woman,” said Becenti. “I don’t just teach weaving itself, I teach around it.”

Becenti said she taught the class about the “traditional pattern of life,” as well as songs, and mentioned bad things that could arise from certain taboo practices, such as teaching young girls how to weave before they have had their traditional puberty ceremony.

Two young girls had attended the weaving workshop, and Becenti put aside her stern teachings, permitting them to stay. The girls learned a lot from the renowned weaver, and their rug creations were colorful and vibrant.

“There are two girls that are in here who haven’t menstruated and I told them they’re not supposed to be taking the weaving class,” said Becenti. “I just let them stay. But it’s an omen that isn’t suppose to be done.”

The group listened intently to everything Becenti had to say, whether it was traditional teachings or instructions on weaving techniques and designs. None of the students lost focus on their instructor.

Deidra Taliman and her older sister Desiree Taliman said the class gave good weaving tips. Desiree had tried to learn how to weave before, and said that some of the terminology Becenti taught her was different from what she was used to.

“I’ve had some experience with weaving,” said Desiree. “Our mom and our grandmother weave and they were glad we came out for this. I thought this workshop was very informative.”

The museum had made the workshop free and gave the students small size looms and weaving tools. Begay explained that she is hoping the group will consider being in a legitimate weaving group where they will meet once a month and work on their craft.

“I want to keep this group together and we will be called the Navajo Nation Museum Working with the Wool Weavers,” said Begay. “We will be participating in other events as a group.”

Begay said Martinez may be a beginner, but she has taken quickly to spinning wool. Martinez was grateful for the workshop because it has enabled her to stay on the path of decolonization. Since she has become tight-knit with the other women, she said she would continue on with the proposed weaving group as well.

“I like the people here,” said Martinez. “They’re my friends now and I like them. I wouldn’t mind seeing them down the road and seeing what they’ve created, and just collaborate.”


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About The Author

Arlyssa Becenti

Arlyssa Becenti reported on Navajo Nation Council and Office of the President and Vice President. Her clans are Nát'oh dine'é Táchii'nii, Bit'ahnii, Kin łichii'nii, Kiyaa'áanii. She’s originally from Fort Defiance and has a degree in English Literature from Arizona State University. Before working for the Navajo Times she was a reporter for the Gallup Independent.

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