Nikyle Begay, a resident of Ganado, a small town located in the Navajo Nation in eastern Arizona, has always nurtured a deep desire to visit their grandmother’s sheep.
Growing up in a family where livestock rearing was a common practice, Begay’s parents had always aspired to raise sheep and cattle, despite the challenges associated with making a living in this field.
In a household comprising seven children, Begay and their younger sisters were particularly drawn to the idea of tending to sheep.
As a child, Begay, who identifies as non-binary and prefers the pronoun “they,” felt a strong connection to their grandmother.
While their grandmother engaged in the laborious task of carding and spinning wool outdoors, Begay would immerse themselves in imaginative play, using Hot Wheels cars to create miniature roads in the sand and clay.
Fondly reminiscing about those days, Begay recalled their grandmother’s wise words, which emphasized the importance of resourcefulness: “You can never say that you’re broke, that you’re hungry, that you’re bored, that you don’t know what to do, because you have two hands,” she would say while imparting the art of weaving to Begay.
The sentiment of perseverance and hard work has been passed down through generations, as evidenced by the inspiring story of Begay’s great-grandmother, who won the family’s first truck in a raffle as part of a local sheep shearing contest in the 1950s.
This determination was not lost on Begay, who became involved in local Future Farmers of America programs and began keeping a flock at the young age of 13.
As Begay grew older, they moved to Tempe, a bustling city outside of Phoenix, and secured a job at an electronics manufacturing company.
However, the company’s shift in operations left Begay with a difficult decision – move to California or Florida.
The weight of this decision left Begay feeling disconnected and lonely, struggling to reconcile the pull of family and the need for financial stability.
Upon returning home, Begay immediately noticed the stark contrast in ambiance between their current surroundings and the bustling city of Tempe.
The tranquility that enveloped them in this rural setting made them feel more grounded, as if they were truly connected to their roots.
It was during this homecoming that Begay discovered a fascinating Navajo tradition that their grandmother had diligently upheld.
In accordance with this custom, their grandmother had buried Begay’s umbilical cord in a sheep corral, harboring the belief that this act would pave the way for Begay to embrace their destined roles as both a shepherd and a weaver.
Reflecting on their journey, Begay confessed, “My heart was always just with the sheep.” This profound statement resonated deeply within them, reaffirming their unwavering connection to these gentle creatures.
At the age of 34, Begay now tends to a flock of 15 sheep, each holding a special place in their heart. When the time for shearing arrives, Begay meticulously prepares the sheep by securing their hooves in place.
Armed with a pair of specially designed scissors, Begay skillfully trims the wool by hand, ensuring precision and care in every stroke.
Remarkably, the sheep lie down in a state of calm surrender, as if entrusting themselves to Begay’s expertise.
In the event that one of the sheep becomes startled, Begay possesses an innate ability to soothe them with a gentle word or a tender touch.
This intimate bond is further strengthened by Begay’s exceptional familiarity with each sheep. Distinguishing them by their unique shades of brown or white, their distinctive horns, and even their individual personalities, Begay possesses an uncanny understanding of their flock’s dynamics.
Some sheep exude assertiveness, while others embody quiet serenity. Occasionally, Begay encounters sassy or even slightly temperamental individuals, further adding to the colorful tapestry of their flock.
In this quiet and harmonious existence, Begay finds solace and purpose. Their devotion to the sheep is palpable, as they continue to honor the Navajo tradition passed down through generations.
Through their profound connection with these remarkable creatures, Begay not only embraces their role as a shepherd but also nurtures their innate talent as a weaver.
This intricate tapestry of intertwined destinies serves as a testament to the enduring power of tradition, heritage, and the profound bond between humans and animals.
Begay’s family, once the proud owners of approximately 150 livestock, has faced significant challenges that have hindered their ability to maintain such a substantial herd.
The construction of a highway fence and the implementation of stricter grazing limits have drastically impacted their livestock numbers.
Moreover, the devastating effects of a prolonged drought, spanning over two decades, have resulted in a scarcity of native grasses, exacerbating erosion issues when rainfall does occur.
Consequently, the family is compelled to allocate more resources towards purchasing feed during the winter months.
Furthermore, the decline in the value placed on Navajo hand-weaving by traders is another blow to Begay’s family.
With the advent of machine-made alternatives, the once highly regarded art form is gradually losing its prominence.
Regrettably, it appears that in several respects, the art of Navajo hand-weaving is facing an uncertain future.
Begay, driven by an unwavering determination, has taken it upon themselves to combat the potential demise of ancestral flocks.
Taking a significant step towards achieving this goal, they established the Rainbow Fiber Co-Op in 2020. This cooperative venture not only aims to safeguard the flocks residing within the Navajo Nation but also strives to ensure that other Diné (Navajo) shepherds receive equitable compensation for their wool.
Of particular importance is the wool derived from the Navajo-Churro breed, renowned globally for its diverse array of natural colors and the superior quality of its fibers.
By establishing the Rainbow Fiber Co-Op, Begay seeks to create a sustainable and fair market for this prized breed, thereby empowering Navajo weavers and preserving their cultural heritage.
Throughout the pandemic, an intriguing development emerged as they initiated weaving classes on the popular video conferencing platform, Zoom.
Remarkably, these classes have persevered and continue to be held each morning to this day. With an unwavering dedication to their craft, Begay has become an outspoken advocate for the significance of sheep and the art of weaving.
Their Instagram account, aptly named @navajoshepherd, serves as a platform for sharing various weaving projects, as well as shedding light on historical and cultural moments of great importance.
Furthermore, the account showcases endearing pictures of the adorable furry companions that have become cherished friends along this artistic journey.
However, beyond its visual appeal, @navajoshepherd offers a unique glimpse into the intricate process of cultivating wool specifically for the purpose of weaving.
This age-old craft demands a wealth of specialized knowledge and involves numerous meticulous steps. While a portion of the co-op’s wool is processed commercially, Begay possesses the remarkable ability to execute every aspect of this process by hand.
This exceptional skill not only ensures a deep appreciation for the artistry involved, but also underscores the dedication and passion that Begay brings to their work.
After shearing the wool, Begay employs a meticulously crafted long platform constructed of chicken wire to meticulously sift through the wool and remove any bits that do not meet the desired length.
To ensure cleanliness and proper preparation, the wool is then soaked in a mixture of water and a small amount of dish soap.
Following this initial process, the wool undergoes carding, where it is expertly brushed out on a rotating drum, priming it for the subsequent creation of yarn.
Occasionally, Begay undertakes the task of dyeing the wool, a venture that often necessitates a trip to California, where their closest confidant generously offers the use of their capacious garage.
Finally, the arduous yet seemingly effortless task of spinning commences, as Begay skillfully and evenly feeds tufts of wool onto a roll, which gracefully rotates in response to the gentle up-and-down motion of a foot pedal.
Once the wool has been meticulously prepared, Begay embarks on the intricate art of weaving. Positioned in front of a loom, strategically placed at the dining room table, Begay adroitly manipulates long sticks, deftly maneuvering them up and down between the fibers.
With a keen eye for detail, brightly colored strands are delicately threaded, and a weaving comb is employed to securely lock each line of the project into place.
Begay’s current endeavor, a double-sided masterpiece, boasts entirely distinct colors and patterns on each side, demanding immense patience and unwavering dedication.
The completion of even a small segment of this intricate work can consume hours of meticulous effort. Begay reveals that many Navajo weavers partake in special ceremonies, designed to cleanse themselves of the frustration and intense emotions that invariably accompany the process of weaving.
“They say with weaving, you’re intertwining yourself with every weft,” Begay solemnly reflects, encapsulating the deep spiritual connection and profound significance that underlie this ancient craft.
Weaving holds a profound emotional significance for Begay, akin to the practice of tending to sheep. In moments of introspection, they find themselves grappling with the question of whether preserving this age-old tradition holds any significance in the face of formidable challenges such as climate change, drought, and modern development.
However, Begay remains optimistic, believing that by fostering awareness and implementing practical solutions, such as involving young individuals who show interest in grazing permits that some elders may not utilize, there is hope for the future.
Moreover, Begay derives immense satisfaction from the knowledge that they are fulfilling the prayers of their ancestors. A particular day in the year 2020 remains etched in their memory.
During this time, numerous family members were afflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic, while the sky was adorned with a suffocating orange hue due to the smoke from nearby wildfires.
The atmosphere felt eerily apocalyptic. Overwhelmed by distress, Begay diligently went about their morning chores, leading the sheep out to graze.
To their surprise, one of the sheep appeared to sense their anguish and refused to leave their side. As Begay settled on a rock to witness the sunrise, the sheep approached them, coming face-to-face, and unexpectedly sneezed.
Although Begay found themselves covered in sheep snot, an undeniable sense of contentment enveloped them.
Reflecting on this incident, Begay shared a profound insight, stating, “You take care of the sheep and they will take care of you.”
This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the reciprocal bond between humans and animals, reminding us of the profound connection we share with the natural world.
Despite the uncertainties and challenges that lie ahead, Begay’s experience serves as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the potential for solace and fulfillment it can bring.