Clara Sherman | |
|---|---|
 Clara Sherman in 2007 | |
| Born | Nezbah Gould (1914-02-18)February 18, 1914 Near theToadlena-Newcomb area |
| Died | July 31, 2010(2010-07-31) (aged 96) |
| Known for | Weaving |
| Movement | Navajo rugs |
| Awards | Lifetime Achievement Award,Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, August, 2004;New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts, 2006 |
Clara Nezbah Sherman (February 18, 1914 – July 31, 2010)[1][2] was aNavajoartist particularly known for herNavajo rugs. Born Nezbah Gould, her mother was of theHashtłʼishnii clan, and her father was of theNaashashí Dineʼé. She was the last surviving member of ten siblings including an adopted sister. Sherman and her siblings learned toweave as children from her family, who specialized in the craft.[3] Clara had several children with her husband, John Sherman. Her daughters and granddaughters also learned to weave.[4]
She played theharmonica, and could "keep a melody and bass line going at the same time."[5]
In 2006, she was awarded the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts by the governor ofNew Mexico in association with theNational Endowment for the Arts. She is one of the artists whose work is available at the historicToadlena Trading Post on New Mexico Arts'Fiber Arts Trail.[5]
