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Glenna Dean is the former New Mexico State Archaeologist. Holding graduate degrees in archaeology and botany, Glenna is trained as an archeobotanist, someone who studies the interactions of people and plants as preserved in archaeological sites: charred seeds, broken plant parts, pollen grains, basketry, sandals, and other textiles made of plant fibers. Working in the Abiquiu area with soil samples from prehistoric agricultural fields, she made the first identification of pollen grains from cotton plants, certain evidence that cotton was grown at high elevations 800 years ago without visible means of irrigation. As ancient cotton fields continue to be identified, this is important evidence for understanding prehistoric trade routes, climate, farming techniques, and population and settlement patterns. After 11 years as State Archaeologist, Glenna discovered the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area Inc, a non-profit headquartered in Española. There, as Associate Director and then Executive Director, she used her diverse experience working with communities in Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, and Taos counties to help realize their desires to continue traditions and heritage through community development and sustainable tourism. Since retiring a decade ago, Glenna spins yarn as a meditative act. She dyes commercial yarn from local heritage-breed Churro sheep to sell for colcha embroidery and tapestry weaving, as well as upscale commercial yarns for knitting, using local plant sources as much as possible. She is active in the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center, other spinning and weaving guilds, and the Mountain and Valley (formerly Taos) Wool Festival in Santa Fe.
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