NAVAJO RESERVATION – Traditional Navajo weaving is on full display in PBS Voices’ “The Story in Us.” The new documentary series celebrates global storytelling traditions. Traditional weavers Tasheena Littleben (Navajo) and Barbara Teller Ornelas (Navajo) are featured in episode one titled, “How Navajo Weavers Keep an Ancient Art Alive.” The episode was produced by Isabel Guayasamin and was filmed on the ancestral lands of the Navajo Nation in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Tucson, Arizona. It was published on the PBS Voices YouTube Channel on Thursday, Jan. 8.
“The Story Within Us” follows storytellers from various cultures around the world. It takes a deep dive into those cultures, showcasing how their stories are shared. “How Navajo Weavers Keep an Ancient Art Alive” focuses on the intricacies of the art and the stories behind the artists.
Littleben said she wants to be known for having the courage to make art, even if the final result is not a masterpiece. Ornelas is an award-winning artist, but her proudest achievement is passing down the tradition of weaving to her children and grandchildren.
Ornelas’ grandfather’s clans are One Who Walks Around and Red Streak Across the Face. Weaving since she was five or six years old, Ornelas has woven the stories of the Navajo people for most of her life. Ornelas describes sitting in front of a Navajo loom as “sitting in front of the universe.” She described the bottom of the loom as representing an Earth bar, the top a sky bar. The right of the loom represents day, the left night. The vertical strings across the loom represent rain.
The pattern Ornelas is seen weaving is called Two Grey Hills. It features four patterns that represent sacred mountains. According to Ornelas, her family has been weaving for over seven generations. According to the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, the Two Grey Hill design exclusively uses natural wool colors, including black, tan, white, and gray. The patterns are recognized for the technical excellence of the weavers. Ornelas makes sure that every pattern she makes has a special meaning.
“Every family has a different story for their pieces,” Ornelas said. “I put a lot of my own spirit and feelings into loom, I always make sure that there is something in there that represents my children and my grandchildren, my sister and my brothers.”
Littleben’s clans are Red Bottom Clan and Towering House Clan. She is a third-generation weaver and, like Ornelas, started weaving from a young age. The design Littleben weaves in the series is called an Eye Dazzler. According to Arizona State University, the Eye Dazzler design uses bright colors and eye-catching elements. Littleben enjoys designing this pattern because of the colors she uses.
“I’ve learned that weaving was my medicine. It’s when I feel the most centered with myself. My designs and patterns are inspired by my ancestors. Also incorporating myself as a Dine woman and the colors that I love.”
Looking back at her own works, Littleben said weaving can tell a story about the weaver and what they were going through during that season of their life. Littleben’s mother wove whether she was in a good or bad mood. She remarked that now is a hard time for artists on her reservation due to the economy. Ornelas said that, growing up, her family did not always receive payment in cash for their woven pieces. Often, traders would determine the value of a woven piece and trade only dry goods.
Weavers like Littleben and Ornelas can be found at events such as the Santa Fe Indian Market, the largest in the United States. The 103-year-old market hosts many up-and-coming artists and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. The market originally featured artists and works from Southwestern Tribes, now it features Indigenous artists from all over the United States. Ornelas has been a regular vendor since 1984. According to Ornelas, the responsibility for weaving should be shared by all Navajo people.
“Weaving is a birthright for Navajo people. Everyone who is Navajo should know how to do it,” Ornelas said.
To watch the episode, “The Story in Us” and other episodes from the series “The Story in Us”, visit the PBS Voices YouTube channel.
