Navajo Weavers and Symmetry

A Navajo legend credits a deity named Spider Woman with teaching them weaving. The first loom was said to be of sky and earth cords with tools of sunlight, lightning, white shell, and crystal. In reality, Pueblo Indians taught the Navajos how to weave. The Spider Woman appears in the mythology of several Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Keresan, and Hopi. In most cases, she is associated with the emergence of life on earth. She helps humans by teaching them survival skills. Spider Woman also teaches the Navajos the art of weaving. Before weavers sit down at the loom, they often rub their hands in spider webs to absorb the wisdom and skill of Spider Woman.

After watching this video, the 4th grade students Began to look at different examples of Navajo textiles and found the lines of symmetry within.  then, we adjourned to the computer lab to create our own symmetrical design using MS Paint.  After fighting over some formatting issues, we were able to print out our designs and finish our Navajo-inspired textile that was customized with our name.

while finishing up our project, we discussed how the computer helped us create a piece of art quicker than if we would have actually weaved a rug.  This led to us watching a textile machine create patterned fabrics.

Watching these two videos led us to discuss how machines can both help and hurt us.  These large weavings can be quickly made and cheaply sold, but the most important part about the Navajo weaving is the tradition and processes handed down from generations.  A great lesson in how technology plays a dual role in our lives.