Ring.connection to Masani.

Heirloom Silve and Turquiose ring.
Photo by Venay Yazzie
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

I was fortunate to have my great-grandmother in my live until I was 18 years old. I was a Senior in high school when my Masani' left this earth. I always remember that last day I spent in her presence, her face and our conversation is as clear and vibrant as if were yesterday, its my medicine that keeps me living a good life.

When she left, I was given two of her personal items. One was her Pendelton shawl blanket and the other was this beautiful silver and turquoise ring.

I have treasured this ring and wear it often. This ring is a connection I have with a great past of beautiful Dine' Matriarchs of the Many Hogans clan, this ring is my grandmother's laughter and love.

blessings.

BlueBird.Handbags by Venaya VJ Yazzie.Dine.

BlueBird Handbag made by Venaya Yazzie

Blue Bird Handbag made by Venaya Yazzie

Blue Bird Handbag made by Venaya Yazzie

Kewa Earrings.



Pueblo-style Earrings.
Photo by Venaya Yazzie
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013

 One of the treasures I found during the annual Navajo Fair was at the Indian Market.

These are the earrings I purchased directly from the maker, a Kewa Pueblo man from Santo Domingo, New Mexico. He called this style of work, mosaic. There are three different types of stones presented here, one of them being turquoise.

Such amazing work...!

Blessings

Southwest Beauties.



Turquoise necklaces from Kewa Pueblo, NM @ Shiprock, NM
Photo by Venaya Yazzie 2013

 I am fortunate to have roots in the desert Southwest. I am happy about my land and my People, the Dine' and Hopi people. This weekend I was very glad to be amidst the celebration of fall harvest during the annual Dine' Nation Northern Fair in Shiprock, New Mexico on the Navajo reservation.

This fair takes place accordingly in October, which is the New Year's beginnings for the Navajo people, and when the Dine' harvest is in full effect! Indigenous farmers are reeping and sharing their crops with the community via the community Farmer's Markets and along the roadside. The great thing about the crops is that they are GMO-Free products! Many Dine' people still farm using traditional Indigenous farmingon techniques which includes using 100% organic soil and family-heirloom seeds, truly a strong and sovereign food source.

Among the many varities of melons, squash, corn and other organic vegetables, is tuquoise in its many forms. Necklaces, earrings, pins, bracelets, rings, hat bands and buckles are scattered throughout the fair community. This includes jewerly made by the Navajo and Pueblo people of the region.

This photograph I took was made by jewelers from Kewa Pueblo of New Mexico. The necklaces showcase the variety of turquoise made ADORNMENTS. The use of raw chunk turquoise stones to stabilized, formed turquoise are evident and also the use of shell varieties.

The annual Northern Navajo Shiprock Fair is the beginning of the Dine' cultural calendar. It is a blessing in its many form because it truly bring the community of many cultures of the area together.

Many Blessings!