My heart is feeling tender and inspired after seeing this stunning exhibit of Dinè and Pueblo textiles at the Wheelright Museum in Santa Fe. The collection of handwoven mantas and saddle blankets were from 1860-1880, which was such a transitional time in history. The children and I were awestruck by the colors, patterns, and the stories. We were the first ones in the museum and we talked in hushed, echoing voices about the historical context of these weavings; Kit Carson and Bosque Redondo, of the forced relocation of the Dinè. How despite several years of outside forces trying to break the spirit of these beautiful brown people of the land, they emerged resilient and strong. The children listened to stories of the ones who couldnt be caught, who lived in remote canyons and cached sheep and horses and food with foresight, knowing that these would be the saving graces of the people once they were free from internment. We remembered the strength of the prayers of this time, how these prayers were indeed woven into the very threads of these textiles that they were forced to weave while imprisoned. That these very mantas and blankets were clothes of survival, both of the physical and the spirit. We talked of Spider Woman, and how she continues to inspire young and elder weavers of the Dinè today. We noticed that the beauty of the blankets came from the elements of the land that inspired the patterns; lightning and earth and water and fire. Maizie wanted to see the textiles under a bright blue sky, she was sad that this collection never got to see the sun. We hoped that someday her prayers would come true, that these rugs would be liberated from behind museum glass and be returned to the descendants of the hands that wove them. As we left, we closed our eyes in prayer, hoping that the bright designs would be imprinted on our hearts, so that we could be inspired to bring such bright and strong patterns in our creative lives. As we walked out the door, the docent gently grabbed me by the arm and with misty eyes gently thanked me for my honesty of all that I was sharing with the children. It is an honor to share with the children the stories of our beautiful indigenous people of Turtle Island. We must not only share the good times but be honest about the dark times too in the hopes that these atrocities will not be repeated. These children, with their sweet honey-hearts, will walk forward to create lasting contributions of peace. Here are their drawings inspired by all we saw. Many blessings to you all in your day.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 13:58:52 +0000
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