Keshishi dons a: we' kya
(Zuni Traditional Greeting- translation: Greetings, have you arrived)
The duality/complexity of Ancient Pueblo Textiles is vast. The basis of Pueblo Weaving originated in Mexico (Backstrap Loom Weaving). In Zuni Language, Mexico is referred to as the Land of Everlasting Summer, for Zuni Butterflies represent the coming of warm weather and the rejuvenation of Mother Earth. The room modeled after the whitewash (gypsum) slip that was utilized in not only textiles but Pueblo Pottery as well. The butterflies are modeled after old-style Zuni Pottery Designs in shape. The internal design of the wings is modeled after Ancestral Pueblo Textiles, which can be seen depicted at Pottery Mound located on the bank of Rio Puerco, west of Los Lunas, New Mexico. The textiles are known as the "Dot in The Eye" textile. The textile patterns were created by using the tie-dye method or thru resist dye. Utilizing earth tones with a metallic sheen help to convey the sacredness that textiles play in Pueblo Culture/Religion. All Pueblo textiles are related to moisture and prayers for such. Being agricultural-based communities' moisture of all kinds is a sacred blessing from our ancestors. The Gold splatter throughout the room is a homage to yellow corn pollen drifting through a warm summer breeze, allowing new vegetation to come to life.
The main focal point is a recreation of an Awatovi-Pueblo black on yellow polychrome. The simplicity encompasses both the masculine and feminine qualities found within Pueblo Pottery; the design is prayer moisture and harmony. The second design located within the bathroom area is another recreation of an 1800 black on white Zuni Stew bowl. The design is a direct representation of rainbirds in-flight stretching out to all directions.
The room encompasses both the Masculine (Pueblo Textiles) and the Feminine (Pueblo Pottery) dualities found within Zuni (Pueblo Culture). Unwind in the simplistic complexity of Zuni Pueblo Culture.
Elahkwa (Thank You)