Alicia Jewelryman-Billie, Navajo Leatherwork and Adornment. Tucson, AZ  |  2022

Alicia Jewelryman-Billie makes Navajo leatherwork, in the form of cedar and tobacco bags and buckskin medicine and ceremonial pouches. Growing up, Alicia attended many different ceremonial gatherings with her grandmothers, observing how they used pouches in ceremony. She learned leatherwork from her maternal grandmother, a moccasin-maker, rug weaver, and woven basket maker; and the art of adornment–beadwork, stitch-work and fringe designs–from her paternal grandmother. Alicia will work with her son, Aiden Wyaco, teaching him the history, purpose, design, and creation of the bags.