Nightway Sandpainting Navajo Weaving Whirling Logs 1131J

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Number: 1131j
Rug Size: 102″ x 70″
Colors: Red, blue, gray, brown, tan, and black.
Condition: Excellent
Circa: 1920
Weaver: Unknown
Description: A Guardian Yei encloses three sides of the weaving, leaving the east side open. Talking God, leader of the Yei’s dressed in white is on the left. On the right is his counterpart Calling God dressed in red. Talking God is also known as the God of the east, he stands on the open side of the weaving, which is usually oriented eastward. The Yei on the top and bottom are the Humpback Yei. The Humpback Yei 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.
Details: Handspun yarn. A very heavy rug. Below is a quote taken from Navajo Weavings Ceremonial Themes by Rebecca M. Valette and Jean-Paul Valette; Page 121. Page 163 has a weaving very similar to this one. “Whirling logs is one of four large Sandpaintings of the Nightway; it is created during the sixth day of the ceremony. It is the story of a young Navajo man known as “the Visionary,” who ignores the repeated warnings from elders and decides to float down the San Juan River hidden in the hollow trunk of a cottonwood tree. During the journey, the improvised raft plunges into the deep waters of the river, spins out of control in its whirlpools, and runs into numerous difficulties before it is brought to safety by the Yei and other holy people associated with the Nightway. After his rescue, the Hero learns the ceremonial practices and acquires other useful knowledge from his divine protectors, which he later passes on to his earthly brothers, the Navajo People.

Offered by Charley’s Navajo Rugs and Red Mesa Gallery. Contact me for more information or to order at Charley@CharleysNavajoRugs.com or call 559-259-9482.