Navajo/Diné Weaving: Art That's a Way of Life

In this podcast, Navajo/Diné Textile Artist and Weaver and 2022 National Heritage Fellow TahNibaa Naataanii talks about Navajo/Diné weaving, which is more than an art--it's a way of life. Naatanii raises sheep, shears them, dyes, cards, spins, and, finally, weaves their wool. She tells us the creation story of Diné weaving, and its deep spiritual connections to her everyday practices.  We talk about the ways she honors Navajo traditional weaving while also expanding it artistically in various ways--from reworking traditional patterns to incorporating different fibers into her weaving. Finally, Naataanii also talks about the impact of environmental degradation on the land and the challenges it poses for her and future generations.  Email us at artworkspod@arts.gov. And follow us on Apple Podcasts

You can see a sample of Naataanii's work at arts.gov where you can also check out the documentary Roots of American Culture—a film about TahNibaa and all of the 2022 National Heritage Fellows.