HOUSE MEMORIAL 11

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Debbie A. Rodella

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING NORTHERN RIO GRANDE WEAVING AS AN IMPORTANT TRADITION UNIQUE TO NORTHERN NEW MEXICO AND HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING THE TRADITION BY ESTABLISHING STANDARDS OF AUTHENTICITY.

     WHEREAS, northern Rio Grande weaving, also known as Rio Grande weaving and Chimayo weaving, is a traditional method of wool production and weaving unique to northern New Mexico that has been practiced for hundreds of years; and

     WHEREAS, these traditions of wool production and weaving are part of the cultural heritage of northern New Mexico and need to be protected and conserved and are in danger of being forgotten by current and future generations; and

     WHEREAS, the northern Rio Grande national heritage area and northern New Mexico college have established a formal collaboration to promote the preservation, understanding and appreciation for the cultural heritage and traditional practices that include procedures, geometric design, dyes, materials and equipment of northern Rio Grande weaving; and

     WHEREAS, the northern Rio Grande weaving tradition and methods are being threatened by inauthentic products and methods claiming to be northern Rio Grande weaving; and

     WHEREAS, there is a need to recognize and document the standards for authenticity and promote and protect this tradition; and

     WHEREAS, formal recognition for the standards of authenticity further adds to the value of these weaving products and supports cultural preservation and economic development;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the regulation and licensing department be requested to work with northern New Mexico college, the northern Rio Grande national heritage area and its advisory committee to establish the standards and criteria that define authentic northern Rio Grande weaving; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the regulation and licensing department and northern New Mexico college be requested to work together to provide recommendations to the legislature regarding the establishment of a formal review board that will evaluate submissions claiming to meet the standard of authenticity and recommendations for licensure and certification for authentic northern Rio Grande weaving; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the superintendent of regulation and licensing and the president of northern New Mexico college.

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