Large Sandpainting Navajo Rug from the Nightway Ceremony 1115

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Number: 1115
Description: A Guardian Yei encloses three sides of the weaving, leaving the east side open. This sandpainting is one of four large sandpaintings used in the Nightway Healing Ceremony. Talking God, leader of the Yeis dressed in white on the left. On the right is his counterpart Calling God dressed in black. Talking God, also known as the God of the east, stands on the open side of the weaving, which is usually oriented eastward. The Yeis on the top and bottom are the Humpback Yeis. The Humpbacks taught farming to the Navajo. They carry bags of seeds on their backs and hold planting sticks in their hands. The central cross represents two perpendicular logs and shows the spinning motion of the raft as it is carried down the river. Four pairs of Male and Female Yei sit on the arms of the cross and guide the raft during the journey.
Rug Size: 71″ x 67″
Colors: Natural gray, black, and white with aniline dyed red, yellow, gold, and green.
Condition: Excellent
Circa: 1920
Weaver: Unknown
Other details:This blanket is very similar to the whirling log sand painting shown on page 108 of the book “Navajo Weavings with Ceremonial Themes” by Rebecca and Jean Paul Valette.It was bequest to Smithsonian Institution in 1975 by Marjorie M. Post.Click for Smithsonian Website..