The University of Arizona

20th Century Rugs

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The Teller-Ornelas Family

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“This page features Two Grey Hills tapestries from one extended Navajo family’s personal collection—the Teller-Ornelas Family Collection. The late Susie Tom wove a rug in 1967 that reflects the minimal style of her community’s early rugs. In the 1970s her daughters Ruth Teller and Margaret Yazzie, now in their late seventies, established the standards for their family’s work. Their daughters Rosann Lee, Barbara Ornelas, and Lynda Pete have since excelled in creating superfine tapestries that have earned worldwide recognition. Barbara’s own college-aged children, Sierra and Michael, now follow in this family tradition.” —Ann Hedlund

Two Grey Hills rug in progress.A
Members of the Teller-Ornelas familyB
  1. Two Grey Hills rug in progress. Photo by Emily Kleinkauf.
  2. Members of the Teller-Ornelas family: (from left to right) Lynda Teller Pete, Ruth Teller, Barbara Ornelas.

Rug photos by Laura LePere except as noted.
* Photo by Linda Teller Pete.
** Photo by Jim Freeman.