Mogollon-Style Yucca Fiber Sandals and Cordage
Native people in the Southwest have learned to live in harmony with land known for extremes in temperature and terrain since the beginning of time. Yucca is a nearly “all-purpose” fiber used to make twine, ropes, sandals, and gathering nets. In this workshop, you will learn an ancient technique called the Mogollon Style utilizing Yucca. Commonly known as “Spanish Daggar or Banana Leaf Yucca.” This Yucca plant is much thicker and has many internal fibers that make them an excellent fiber to weave sandals out of. You will also learn how to clean and process Yucca to make cordage.
On day one, you will start working with Yucca, creating cordage. On days two, three, and four, you will continue to process yucca fibers into cordage for the sandals. On the fifth and final day, you will finish your projects and try on your newly made sandals. Every day of class, Mary will teach and share about Indigenous cultures in the Southwest and share insights into how to produce other materials and tools using Yucca fibers. Your instructor will also share the cultural significance of the Yucca plant, how it is to be treated and harvested, and about efforts to protect this sacred plant.
- Padded seat cushion for comfort
- Clip on lamp for extra lighting
- Reading glasses if necessary for fine work
Mary Weahkee (Comanche/Santa Clara Pueblo/Numunuu/Kahpo) is a member of Santa Clara Pueblo and the Comanche Nations and is assistant archeologist at the New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies. She is known as a skilled analyst and versatile crew chief whose archaeological abilities are complemented by her commitment to education. Mary’s interest in archaeology began in 1992 when working with Nambe Pueblo Tours as a tour guide during the summers. She discovered that she had a natural curiosity about where her people came from. Since then she has become well known for her workshops in yucca-fiber production and turkey feather blanket making.
“Being Native American and doing archaeology across the West has given me a broad perspective about tribes and the relationships between the past and present,” Weahkee says. “Archaeology emphasizes technologies and survival skills, and the sophisticated knowledge and artistry of my ancestors are an inspiration and a bond between all of us. When I can demonstrate making things the old way, and when children and adults feel and use what I’ve just made, the connections are remarkable.” – Mary Weahkee
Native American & Inland Empire Teacher Scholarships
We recently made some changes to our scholarship application process.
Generous donors have made scholarships and fellowships for adult workshops available on a limited basis for these specific groups:
- Native American Community Leaders, Artists, Members, and Teachers
- Inland Empire Teachers, Professors, and Graduate Students
Scholarships include tuition, lab fee, dorm housing, and all meals provided by the campus dining service. We believe in allowing everyone a chance to experience the transformative power of art at Idyllwild Arts. In order to reach as many as possible with this opportunity we are happy to extend each applicant one scholarship. These scholarships are designed to provide access to arts based educational opportunities that will advance your personal and professional development as well as the Indigenous community(ies) you come from. You are responsible for paying the $50 application fee and transportation to and from campus. A short essay (200 to 750 words) expressing how this opportunity will benefit you and your community is required, we want to hear from you! We also ask that you provide screenshots of your last two W2s so that the scholarship committee can identify financial need and assess the scholarship amount to be offered. We are pleased to offer scholarships in two categories.
- Full Scholarship: students receive meals, housing, and tuition and lab fee (room and board if applicable).
- Half Scholarship: students receive approximately half off their tuition (room and board if applicable)
For more detailed information and a Scholarship FAQ please read Adult Scholarships FAQs.
Scholarship Details:
- Native American Community Members, Leaders, Artists, and Teachers
For adults 19 and older with current tribal affiliation, the scholarship brings community leaders, artists, members, and teachers to workshops at Idyllwild Arts to benefit both the scholarship recipients themselves and those in their schools or tribal communities. Applicants who demonstrate financial need may receive priority. We also offer scholarships for Native American Teens for both the Summer Program and the Academy. - Inland Empire Teachers, Professors, and Graduate Students
For teachers and graduate students from the Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and the adjacent areas), this scholarship brings teachers and graduate students to Idyllwild Arts to attend Native American Arts workshops. The Native American Arts Workshops benefit both recipients and their students and communities, providing culturally appropriate instruction and professional development to teachers and graduate students. Applicants with financial needs may receive priority. These scholarships are made possible through the generous support of the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians.
Click here for more information about adult scholarships.
Age: 19 years and above
Dates: June 12-16, 2023
Tuition, room, and board: $1,719
Day student tuition: $840
Lab Fee: $65
Skill Level: All levels
Enrollment is limited to 12 students.
Faculty: Mary Weahkee