Kewa earrings of Beauty

Pueblo-style earrings from Santo Domingo, NM

Truly, New Mexico holds the key to 'Beauty.'

This southwestern state is home to many Indigenous desert southwest tribal people. They inlcude: Jicarilla Apache, Mescalero Apache, Navajos from the northern and eastern region of the Navajo Nation, and the Canoncito Band of Navajos and Alamo Navajos, and then there is all the Pueblo people along the Rio Grande River.

The best of all Indigenous jewelry can be is made in this wonderful 'land of enchanment' New Mexico, USA. I personally would not live anywhere else, New Mexico will always be my home, its sky and sandstone cliffs reflect my soul.

I am inspired above all by the jewelry my Native people make. I buy it and treasure it whether its hanging in my jewelry collection or wearing it on my person. I was initially inspired to create this blog because of Indigenous jewelry.  I have pictured here a new addition to my earring collection. This pair was purchased by a Pueblo artisan from the village of Santo Domingo, or Kewa, as they call themselves.

I just wanted to share such 'Beauty.'

In a good way.

Masani and mePhoto

Photo credit: Venaya Yazzie 2016
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The story of my maternal grandmother concerns: nomadic life, boarding school, religion, arranged marriage, and so much more.

I often find myself in awe of her life. When I find myself feeling sorry for me, I think of all my grandmother has been through in her life. She is a Navajo heroine, a true woman of strength and dignity. She is the model for my life as an adult. I feel so very blessed to be able to care for her in her golden age, she blesses my spirit on a daily basis. But, above all by her expression and grace she has humbled my human condition of pride. When my grandmother enters a room my ego goes running away like a coyote with its tail between its legs.

In the Navajo sphere of life, the family unit has the understanding and importance of the role of the first-born female granddaughter to the first-born daughter.  In this case I am the 'first-born granddaughter' and my mother is the 'first-born daughter' - to my grandmother Jane. I am identified as 'tsoi.' This is a term of endearment, when my grandmother or any female elder or clan affiliated aunt expresses this to me, its about my identity as a continuing legacy of them, our Navajo clan.

When I was  younger woman I did not respect this term, in fact I did not want to live up to it. I wanted my own way, my own choices of longing to be an "American" - following the life of modern society, which led me down the path  of not thinking about my grandparents. But, thankfully I seen the light, and I feel I am understanding and respecting my role better.

My role as 'tsoi' asks me to be a caretaker for my grandmother and I do not hesitate. The elder woman express that its a 'good thing' for me to be present, cause that is why I am here, to ensure the care of my maternal grandmother. I am blessed by this identity.

Beauty all Around.