Sandpaintings were made to be swept away. One Diné singer found a way to weave them into wool, so they would last.
Tonight we travel to Diné country in northwestern New Mexico to meet Hastiin Klah (1867 to 1937), a nádleeh weaver and healer who mastered at least eight ceremonies, wove the first full sandpainting tapestry in 1919, and, with Mary Cabot Wheelwright, founded the museum in Santa Fe now known as the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian.
Along the way: an upright loom in the shade of a brush arbor, a winter hogan with its door facing east, a line of blue sand pouring from a singer's fingers, the Pacific rolling in at Santa Barbara, and a house on a hill blessed by his family in November 1937. Time, at last, to see beauty.
Told twice, as always: first at a natural pace, then slowly, with longer pauses, to carry you into sleep.
🌙 Tonight’s episode is brought to you by our partner, Trust & Will. Create your will or trust online, built by attorneys for your state’s laws, so the people you love, including your chosen family, are protected in writing. Get 10% off with code RAINBOW10: https://trustandwill.sjv.io/k4KOPd
Restful Rainbow earns a commission when you use this link or code, at no extra cost to you.
☕ Restful Rainbow is independent and listener-supported: https://restful-rainbow.captivate.fm/support And if not, no need at all. Sleep well either way.