2009 Heard Museum Guild Indian Market: Part IV (TahNiiBaa Naataanii)
Every year, TahNiiBaa Naataanii seems to grow more proficient and creative as an artist and craftsperson. Each piece that she had displayed this year reflected a unique composition united by TahNiiBaa’s skill in the realization of her vision. She has been working with shaped weavings for several years and wore one of her creations as a shoulder wrap. The other shawl shaped piece was dedicated to Spiderwoman, once again incorporating traditional and contemporary elements. The fringe was added after the piece was woven. You can see the piece below at the left.
At the right is a Chief Blanket study that TahNiiBaa chose to display at a perspective about 90 degrees from the expected. The color palette is also a departure from tradition and the woven crosses seem to float in space.
TahNiiBaa’s breadth and mastery are even more impressive considering her busy life as a mom and her work assisting her mother Sarah Natani with weaving classes and demonstrations. TahNiiBaa expects to be at this year’s Sheep is Life Celebration and I’ll try to talk with her further about her work and her progress as an artist.
Just before I left, I got a picture of TahNiiBaa in front of her Chief Blanket. You can also see her great fashion statement with that off-shoulder wrap. Jo nizhóní (how beautifully done)!
WOW, TahNiiBaa’s chief’s blanket is incredible. It will be not only fun but also intriguing to watch for her future weavings.