Time Warp: Navajo Weaving Practices Then and Now

School for Advanced Research’s 2025 Native Arts Speaker Series

Cultural Currents: The Role of Mentorship in Native Arts

Explore how mentorship shapes both traditional and contemporary Native arts.

This first event of four features Kevin Aspaas and Roy Kady

Kevin Aspaas (Diné) is a textile and fiber artist based in Shiprock, New Mexico. He is best known for his work with the Navajo wedge weave technique, an innovative technique he first learned about from his mentor, Roy Kady, in 2014. Aspaas gathers and spins wool from the small flock of Navajo-Churro sheep he raises in Shiprock. In addition to spinning his own yarn, he also works exclusively with natural dyes in the manner that his ancestors would have done to honor both his relatives from the past and the land and animals.

Roy Kady (Diné) is a respected textile weaver, fiber artist, and sheep herder from Goats Spring, Arizona, near Teec Nos Pos. Born in Shiprock, New Mexico, he revived his connection to his heritage in 1985, focusing on traditional Navajo-Churro sheep herding and weaving. Roy’s work is deeply inspired by sacred creation songs, reflecting his spiritual bond with his craft and flock. Honored as a Master Weaver and Leader by his elders, Roy is dedicated to preserving balance and harmony in his community. A passionate teacher, he shares his knowledge with both young and old, blending traditional practices with modern influences.

This event has reached in-person capacity. Join us for the livestream on SAR’s YouTube channel.