Drake Mace

Chaco Sheep

What’s your story?

Growing up on the Eastern part of the Navajo Reservation wasn't for the faint of heart. Everyone I knew growing up, older and younger, all left reservation life. I did as well, but some things don’t play out in life as you think they would.

When I was young, every summer vacation and spring vacation I would get dropped off at my grandmother's house. The reason was simple: Má'sani (Grandma) had a flock of sheep and goats, as most Diné people did. My grandmother was also a Master Weaver of Navajo Textiles. During the day grandma would start the day in prayer, with white corn meal, given to the holy deities we believe in.

After was always a quick breakfast, she'd wash dishes and then get the sheep dogs’ food ready. I'd watch her, as she’d layer her jacket and bundle up with a floral scarf, she'd ask if I was ready. As usual, I was eager. She’d talk to me in our native language, telling me the meaning of sheep. She’d tell us: it’s life to our people. They are my mom and dad, as this flock was passed down generation to generation.

We’d let the flock out, watch them scurry down the mesa. It was winter, so some snow on the ground. So my grandmother would have her walking cane with her and start walking after the sheep. As I followed, we would stay out most of the day with the flock, while they grazed grandma would take her spindle out and start spinning. I watched her spin wool into yarn. She'd talk about the process.

As I got older I'd help her card and pick the wool, skirt for debris etc. One day I took grandma's weaving yarn and made a small loom on a card box. I wove this in one night. Being 10, and showing grandma your completed rug, which was made from her yarn, she chuckled with a big smile she said, "Nizhoni" (Beautiful).

The next day I was curious as she started prepping to make a loom. I watched her, then she said, "come sit across me." Did as I was told, then grandma said, you want to learn to weave? I eagerly said "Yes!" She smiled. Then said to me, "I'm going to show you this once, its something you must be serious about.” I said, "Yes!" Then she explained to me the process. She showed me how to warp a loom, how to process wool, weave, spin, and sheep husbandry, which always goes with sheep life.

This is how I've come to love what I do.