Nikyle Begay, a Diné shepherd and weaver based in the Navajo Nation, is revitalizing ancestral weaving techniques that were historically marginalized by the colonial trading-post economy. By breeding Navajo Churro sheep and mastering complex twill patterns once used for functional saddle blankets, Begay bridges the gap between traditional agricultural practice and contemporary fine art. Their work involves the entire lifecycle of the medium, from shearing and processing wool to reconstructing intricate designs that fell out of favor when commercial markets prioritized specific regional styles for non-Native buyers.
This revival is significant because it reclaims Indigenous aesthetic sovereignty and challenges the binary gender roles traditionally associated with Navajo weaving. Begay’s practice operates outside of Western art hierarchies, with their textiles appearing both in museum exhibitions, such as at the Hudson River Museum, and in practical use on horseback. As a culture bearer, Begay’s work serves as a form of resistance against the historical suppression of Diné heritage, ensuring that functional and sacred weaving traditions are preserved for future generations.