Be (ing) Matriarch, the Handbag Story

'Be Matriarch' handbag by Venaya Yazzie via
Yazzgrl Art Designs
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2019

The current dialogue among the new Gens of the twenty-first century concerns the use of the term 'matriarch.' In American culture this expression carries a negative connotation, for if a female is called a "matriarch," she often will take offense to it as she may deem it as someone referring to her age in life, or "old." But, in the current Indigenous communities of North America, the expression 'matriarch', 'matriarchy' concern resilience, strength, female leadership.

About two years ago I began using the expression 'Be Matriarch.' For me, this concept was adapted from the life/ lives of my own Dine' (Navajo) women matriarchs: my grandmother's and aunties, and the cousin-sisters too.  To 'be matriarch' in my view is to emulate those women ancestors who lived before me and to those who currently in the family circles of our women's culture.  The expression 'be matriarch' therefore concerns the female gender. In the Dine' (Navajo) epistemology, the female is the equal counterpart to the male gender. We are two separate beings physiologically and mentally, but we are meant to live as one in order to keep the balance.

For me, 'be matriarch' is about carrying on those good and blessed qualities of the women in our Indigenous tribal communities.

I have designed and created the 'Be Matriarch' handbags as a means of bringing awareness of the above mentioned concepts.  This handbag pictured above in one of my new designs, and is modeled by my maternal grandmother, who just turned 89 years old this month.  I am blessed to have her in my life, she inspires my work both intellectually and creatively.

Blessings, 

VJYazzie
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED