The Pentium as a Navajo Weaving (righto.com)

Article summary

The article discusses a Navajo weaving that depicts the design of an Intel Pentium chip, created by artist Marilou Schultz in 1994. The weaving is a remarkably accurate representation of the chip's complex design and was commissioned by Intel as a gift to the American Indian Science & Engineering Society. The article also explores the history of Fairchild Semiconductor's manufacturing facility on Navajo land in Shiprock, New Mexico, and its significance in the context of Navajo economic development. The facility was considered a success story, but its closure had a negative impact on the local community.

Main themes

• Navajo weaving and art
• Computer chip design
• Navajo economic development
• Fairchild Semiconductor history
• Cultural exchange and appreciation
• Technology and traditional craftsmanship

What commenters say

• The article's discussion of the Navajo weaving and its connection to computer chip design highlights the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.
• The history of Fairchild Semiconductor's manufacturing facility on Navajo land is a complex and multifaceted story that involves both economic development and cultural exchange.
• Some commenters view the commissioning of the Navajo weaving by Intel as a genuine appreciation of Native American art, while others see it as a form of cultural appropriation or exploitation.
• The closure of the Fairchild facility had a devastating impact on the local Navajo community, which is still struggling with poverty and lack of economic opportunities.
• The article's exploration of the connection between the Jacquard loom and early computer design is a fascinating example of the intersection of technology and traditional craftsmanship.
• Some commenters reflect on the spiritual and philosophical implications of working with technology, with some viewing it as a form of creative expression and others seeing it as a form of alienation.
• The discussion of the article highlights the importance of considering the cultural and historical context of technological development and its impact on local communities.
• The article's portrayal of the Navajo weaving as a form of cultural preservation and exchange is seen as a positive step towards greater understanding and appreciation of Native American art and culture.