 Loretta Davis of Wheatfields, AZ has been supplying cradleboards to her people for over 15 years. She learned how to make the cradleboard from aunt Lilly Steven's late husband Alfonso Stevens from over the hill.
Since she was not formally educated, cradleboards have provided the only source of money for Davis and her family. She says, "I have made a good living making cradleboards."
Davis makes cedar cradleboards every week in many different sizes. Her smallest one is 3" long, and her largest one is 32" long, the standard size for an infant. She noted that some people like more of the red color in their cradleboard.
Davis sells the cradleboards at area flea markets and directly to the public. She commented, "Now we have a lot of special orders."
Born and raised in Wheatfields, Davis has two children who also make cradleboards, Carmelita Washington and Carlton Davis. She has raised three other children, and she is in the process of adopting these children. Social Services came to her when the children's mother requested that she raise her children. Davis is Todich'ii'nii (Bitter Water Clan) born for To'aheedliinii(Water-Flow-Together Clan), with T['0gi (Weavers-Zia Clan) her chei clan(grandfather's clan) and Assiihi (Salt Clan) her nalii clan (grandmother's clan).
Davis used the cradleboard with her children. She said, "Nizhoni. When the baby cries, that means it wants to lay in its cradleboard. When the baby is in the cradleboard, move the head around to keep it round. The cradleboard is good for keeping the baby's back and legs straight."
Steps to making the cradleboard
Select a cedar tree that is smooth without too many branches or cracks. 6-10" in diamater is a good size. Cut the tree into the sizes you need.
With a saw cut three or four sides off of the log. Cut the log into boards approximately 1/2" thick. Let these boards sit to dry 2-3 days.
The main body of the infant-sized cradleboard has two boards that measure 32" in length, 5 1/2 " wide at the head end, 4" wide at the foot. Draw these out on the boards. Also draw the bottom foot part of the cradleboard and the small pieces used to attach the rainbow and stabilize the bottom boards. Davis cuts these pieces with a table saw.
Drill holes where you want to put in the leather lacing.
Sand the boards. Davis uses a rough and a fine sanders.
Wipe off the dust and varnish.
When the varnish dries, tie the cradleboard together with leather strips or a sash belt.
Davis makes the rainbow head part by boiling the wood for two hours in regular water. As soon as she removes the wood from the water, she shapes it on round pipes and wraps it with rubber. Leave this sit for one day until it totally dries.
Editor's note: Although Davis speaks English, her niece Michelle Yazzie helped out with translation.
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