Eyes of the Weaver

This work is intended for ages 10+. Cristina Ortega is the granddaughter of Juan Melquiades Ortega, a master weaver of northern New Mexico's Chimayo Valley. Chimayo's roots are in early Spanish Colonial times and has long been famous for its unique weavings. Juan M Ortega was taught to weave by his father in the early days when weavers sheared their own sheep and spun and dyed the wool for their blankets. El Tejedor (The Weaver) continued weaving until he was one hundred years old, when his eyesight failed him. In ""The Eyes of the Weaver"", Cristina shares her memories of visits when she was ten years old with Grandpa in the village of Chimayo, where he taught her how to weave. She also recalls how Grandma helped her husband choose colour combinations for his Chimayo blankets. It was during these visits that Cristina learned how important it is for a child to listen to and learn from his or her relatives. Some of Juan M Ortega's weavings and tools of the trade have been included in the exhibit, ""American Encounters"", at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, DC.