Spider Woman’s Teachings (Na’ashjé’ii Asdzáá bina’nitin) is a one‑of‑a‑kind, hand‑beaded fur felt hat inspired by Diné teachings of weaving, balance, and beauty. As a Diné womxn from a lineage of weavers on both sides of my family, I was drawn to translate traditional rug designs into beadwork. In Diné oral tradition, Spider Woman taught the way of living in Hózhó—a life of harmony, beauty, and balance. She was the first to weave the web of the universe, creating patterns that map the interconnectedness of spirit and life. Her ability to create with intention and care is the foundation of this work. This piece incorporates four distinct rug design traditions—Two Grey Hills, Chief’s Blanket, Tree of Life, and Red Mesa—each of which I sketched, designed, and hand‑beaded. Every element was created with conscious reflection on Spider Woman’s gifts and how her teachings are carried forward by the Diné people today. This hat is my beaded interpretation of Spider Woman’s Teachings. The hatband features hand‑whittled wooden weaving tools, created by me, and is tied using loom string, reinforcing both the literal and symbolic connection to weaving traditions. This piece was awarded First Place, VII Diverse Art Forms F at the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market, recognizing its craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and artistic excellence.
Details
- One‑of‑a‑kind, award‑winning wearable art
- Hand‑beaded fur felt hat
- Size: 7 (stiff fur felt)
- Size 11 seed beads
- Bugle beads
- 24‑karat gold beads
- Rug design influences: Two Grey Hills, Chief’s Blanket, Tree of Life, Red Mesa
- Hand‑whittled wooden weaving tools attached to hatband
- Loom string hatband
- Created as a contemporary expression of Diné teachings and weaving traditions
