Monday, November 9, 2009

Navajo Rug Weaving Wisdom

On the day that you finish your rug, you are not supposed to start another one. But within 4 days, you are supposed to string up the nanoolzhee' [warp] for the next one. -- Navajo Weaver, Tuba City

From Navajo Weaving Way: The Path from Fleece to Rug
by Noel Bennett & Tiana Bighorse

4 comments:

Delighted Hands said...

I don't like an empty loom either!

Theresa said...

It sounds like a wonderful book. Of course, I'm not a native American doing Navaho weaving so maybe it's okay if I have a new warp waiting to go on the loom? ;-) OTOH, it's a rare thing when I have gotten myself organized enough to have a warp ready.

Life Looms Large said...

I like the idea that in a culture very different from my own, there was a belief in some rest - or other types of work - after finishing a major project.

And there was a belief that it was important to start the next project shortly thereafter.

So there was some project inertia going on then too!

Sue

Jennifer said...

I also like the idea of rest. Often when I finish, I feel like I've lost my best friend since I spent so much time with the piece. It's good to have that space to transition. I also understand not letting the momentum be lost - because then it takes so long to regain it!

Great quote! Thanks!