Glenabah Hardy
Navajo Weaving
Glenabah Hardy was born for the Tbaah (Water's Edge People—maternal
clan) and born for Hashtl'ishnii (Mud People—paternal
clan) in 1911.
Ms. Hardy was recently invited to join
the artist convocation and has not been interviewed, nor has an account
been secured of her background and work. This will be done. She is
the mother of Irene Clark, another of our participants. The School
staff had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Hardy during our visit to Irene's
home on August 27, 2001. There we observed Mrs. Hardy, now ninety
years of age, weaving in her weaving "house." A week or
so later, we called Irene and asked if her mother would like to accompany
her to the artist convocation. We do know she has much experience
as a weaver and her daughter, Irene, speaks fondly and proudly of
Mrs. Hardy's accomplishments. The following are some quotes from Mrs.
Clark about her mom:
"My mom has a song about a rug, but I don't know it....My mom's
getting old, and I should learn...how to sing it and sing it while
I weave. When you finish your rug, you always say a prayer. That will
help you again. I do that." (Personal Interview, 2001 at Irene's
home in Crystal, New Mexico)
"My mom 'she carded and spun the wool and her skill as a weaver provided food, shoes, and clothing, and things like that.' " Irene's childhood observations of her mother's talent instilled in her a need to create and it also gave her the same sense of family love and commitment. (Personal Interview, 2001 at Irene's home in Crystal, New
Mexico).
Images: (Top) Portrait by Mark
Nohl; (Bottom) Glenabah
Hardy weaves as her daughter, Irene Clark, looks on.
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