Purposeful Imperfections in Navajo Art
As you may know, I'm dealing with an imperfection. I had an accident with my latest jeweled creation. It was preceded by a failed design and a mistake on my part. The last straw--a broken stone--completed its ruination. At least that's what I thought.
In attempts to learn from the experience and draw some otherwise invisible insights, I dug deep into my thoughts and researched the literature on imperfections in art.
Shih nih bi-teen
Turns out, I already knew about the Navajo concept of including an imperfection in their art. Into the woven wool blankets and rugs for which the Navajo are famous are purposeful flaws.
"A blanket must have an outlet... a mere thread of a different color or a slight, apparently accidental, break in the border pattern, which looks like an imperfection. But if it were omitted, the woman might get the blanket sickness and lose her mind." --From www.navajopeople.org.
The purpose of the purposeful imperfection is to allow evil spirits a place to exit the design. Its creativity is compromised without a hole or other imperfection to usher out the 'bad' built into the piece. Also, the maker--the artist herself--can become ill from the harbored evil.
Shih nih bi-teen is the Navajo word meaning "mind my road" in a literal translation. The creative idea includes a part of the mind the maker has put into the piece. It apparently requires an outlet from the art, the "road," if you will. Block that road or trap your psyche inside the art and you're headed for creative insanity, perhaps.
Interpretation
Traditional Navajo practices--and this is one--often require some interpretation for non-Native-American contemporaries like myself. In modern day parlance, Navajo 'blanket sickness' might translate to the psychological problems we all seem to face daily or the dementia associated with retired mature folks cranking out handcrafts all day.
An interpretation I'm considering right now is that the initial flawed design, mistake of omission, and the final irreversible imperfection of the necklace saved me from losing my mind. From what? From too many consecutive hours at the bench in thin air of the cold, lonely Rocky Mountains with no one but the four walls and gemstone components for company, save an occasional comment about the economy collapsing from my husband.
What makes it work?
I don't know, but the curious Navajo custom gave me food for thought. It relates in several aspects to my imperfect necklace. I'm still pondering the Navajo practice and what it might mean for me.
Maybe a drop of Navajo blood in one's veins makes the imperfection work its magic. My blood, unfortunately, carries no drops of that variety. My quest for a "continuance," nevertheless, will go on.
Source:
http://navajopeople.org/navajo-pottery.htmPublished by Lorraine Yapps Cohen
I design jewelry free from the constraints of textbook techniques and write non-fiction free from the rigors of technical expression. Chemist by training, creative by spirit, conservative in values, and art... View profile
- Seasons of a NavajoThis article provides a reaction to the film "Seasons of a Navajo," an anthropology documentary.
- Navajo ReligionOne of the more interesting things about the Navajo people is their religion. The majority of the Navajo practice a religion referred to as the Navajo Way and they have many ways of expressing and practicing their rel...
- Wabi-Sabi Thrift Store in Utah Offers Moab Bargains and Helps Children and the Nav...Wabi-Sabi is more than a thrift store. You'll find great merchandise, unusual clothing and accessories, home items, building materials and more. Plus know that the organization supports many good causes, lots of them...
- Navajo Music for Ceremonial and Poplular UsesNavajo music is song used for ceremonial or popular reasons. The ceremonial music is sacred and must not be made public.
- Foolproof Your Family Road TripTraveling with kids can be exciting if you come up with an anti-boredom, kid friendly plan. With a little planning, your road trip can be a fun event for everyone.
- Navajo Culture and the Dust Bowl
- Arizona's Navajo Reservation
- Navajo Code Talkers
- Native American Culture Perspectives - Kinaalda: The Navajo Puberty Ritual
- Navajo Rug Collector? Visit Hubbel Trading Post
- The Navajo People
- Navajo Indians
13 Comments
Post a CommentI may have blanket sickness...I must check the symptoms.
Fascinating! Of course, it is a good way for the craftsfolk to cover their rears. "Oh, that! I did that just so you wouldn't get sick!"
I've heard of this Navajo tradition and it makes sense. It's good that you wrote about it.
Informative, entertaining, and very well written. In short, a wonderful article. Thanks!
Oh, Inga, dear friend, how will I EVER forgive you? Just watch out for those nasty Navajo arrows flying through that sunny SoCal neighborhood of yours. They have a way of putting the sun gods to work for their side.
Hi Lorraine - Sometimes I get carried away by my perverse brain. I did not mean to belittle the Navajo's exquistive art!
Very interesting. I never knew that bit of history. I had to laugh at Inga's comment. :)
well written - thank you
I like the idea of the need for the imperfection; to my mind, it gives the next iteration a step out of the repetitive pattern in order that it may form a larger and more meaningful pattern...now, do I understand what I just said? Maybe not, but I find a Zen appropriateness especially in the inadvertent imperfections. You'll find it, Lorraine!
Lorraine, I have heard about the Navajo's always having an intentional mistake in their rugs. I am sure your new creation is also a masterpiece for someone to treasure!