Roy Kady, a fourth-generation Navajo (or Diné) weaver from Teec Nos Pos, Arizona area is, considered a master weaver among his peers. He was born to the Tl'izilani (Many Goats) clan and was raised in Teec Nos Pos. Kady founded and manages Dine' Woven, a family weaving business, whose Web site expresses a reverent, holistic understanding of “the sacred art of textile weaving, which Spider Women has bestowed upon us.”

Kady is one of the few male Navajo weavers working today. He learned at his mother's knee from age nine, and continued to practice throughout his teenage years. When his mother,” Mary Clah, a well known weaver,” decided to retire, his sisters were uninterested in following her path. So Roy acquired her tools, which had been passed down through generations. Now he has re-inspired his sisters, nieces, and nephews, and he weaves with them on occasion.

For Kady, sheep symbolize the good life, living in harmony and balance on the land. When his people acquired sheep from Spanish colonists in the early 1600s, they exchanged their old hunting lifestyle for one of herding. The sheep thrived and assumed a central role in Diné psychology, creativity, and religious life. Kady says ”Diné philosophy, spirituality, and sheep are intertwined like wool in the strongest weaving.”

Kady uses only wool from Churro sheep, a breed developed in the deserts and mountains of Diné Bikéyahh, the old Navajo homeland of northwest New Mexico. Churro wool is stronger and absorbs natural dyes better than other wool. Unfortunately, Churros almost disappeared in the 20th century by a series of misguided management schemes. Kady is part of a movement to re-establish the breed for future generations.

Kady's work may be seen at the Anasazi Heritage Center is 3 miles west of Dolores, Colorado, open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum also serves as the visitor information center for Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. . Special events are funded through visitor donations and entry fees under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. For more information, call the Center at 970-882-5600.

Photo courtesy Roy Kady