The Horse Song

Free Translation

PICASSA

I was inspired to weave this piece after hearing the stories and songs of the scared Horse of my people. The inspiration came to me while herding my sheep in the Carrizo Mtn, this past summer. A lot of wild horses roam in the area and the songs and stories of the horse came back to me. The Horse Song was taught to me by my grand father Kady Gonna Begay. My mother still tells me stories of our horses of about a 100, and how she'd help her father tame them. My older sisters would go out every morning to give offerings to the horses so they too can walk in beauty.

FROM THE NAVAJO WAR GOD'S HORSE SONG

I am the Turqoise Woman's son.
On top of Belted Mountain,
Beautiful horse--slim like a weasel.
My horse has a hoof like striped agate;
His fetlock is like a fine eagle plume;
His legs are like quick lightning.
My horse's body is like an eagle-plumed arrow;
My horse has a tail like a trailing black cloud.
I put flexible goods on my horse's back;
The Little Holy Wind blows through his hair.
His mane is made of short rainbows.
My horse's ears are made of round corn.
My horse's eyes are made of big stars.
My horse's head is made of mixed waters--
From the holy waters--he never knows thirst.
My horse's teeth are made of white shell.
The long rainbow is in his mouth for a bridle,
and with it I guide him.
When my horse neighs, different-colored horses follow.
When my horse neighs, different-colored sheep follow.
I am wealthy, because of him.
Before me peaceful,
Behind me peaceful,
Under me peaceful,
Over me peaceful,
All around me peaceful--
Peaceful voice when he neighs.
I am Everlasting and Peaceful.
I stand for my horse.

NAVAJO HORSE SONG (Blessing Way)

How joyous his neigh!
Lo, the Turquoise Horse of Johano-ai,
How joyous his neigh,
There on precious hides outspread, standeth he;
How joyous his neigh,
There of mingled waters holy, drinketh he;
How joyous his neigh,
There in mist of sacred pollen hidden, all hidden he;
How joyous his neigh,
These his offspring may grow and thrive forevermore;
How joyous his neigh!

This beautiful textile is for sale, and if you are interested in purchasing it, the textile measures 25 1/2" (W) X 35 1/1" (L), the wool are all natural colors, hand-spun by my grand mother Elizabeth Kady Begay and Shima.
Please call me or email me back, may you all walk in beauty.
-- Roy Kady

P.O. Box 209
Teec Nos Pos, AZ., 86514
928-656-3498

The Horse Song, a Navajo rug by Roy Kady - All Fiber Arts

PICASSA

The Horse Song

More About Weaving: