In our quest for more native crafts, we headed to Chimayo to learn about Navaho weaving from the owners of Ceninela Traditional Arts. There we saw award winning examples of the several patterns of weaving. Irwin, an 8th generation weaver, explained both the traditions of weaving and the modern business of rug merchandising. He dyes his own yarn, designs the rugs and has weavers prepare some of the rugs in their homes. His wife, also an award winning weaver, is shown on the loom.
The yarns used come from the Spanish Churro and Merino sheep. The male Churro can have four or more horns.