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Lot 76
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2 Navajo Sand Paintings, Yei Spirits & Mother Earth
2 Navajo Sand Paintings, Yei Spirits & Mother Earth
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Description:

Native American, Southwestern United States, New Mexico, Navajo, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A pair of framed sand paintings on wood particle boards - the colored sand is carefully placed on wet glue, drying and creating an interesting texture and layered affect. The larger has stylized figures or spirit deities known as "Yeibicheii" or "yei" for short, and a corn stalk. The small board has Mother Earth in her characteristic ochre-yellow (she is often depicted with Father Sky who will appear in black). Size of largest painting: 15.3" L x 9.5" W (38.9 cm x 24.1 cm); frame: 17" L x 11.25" W (43.2 cm x 28.6 cm); small painting: 6" L x 6" W (15.2 cm x 15.2 cm); frame: 12" L x 12" W (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm)

Sand painting known as iikaah, is a traditional art form used in Navajo healing ceremonies and created by medicine men to aid and treat sick tribal members. Deities and intricate designs are created with colored sand to invoke spiritual healing and harmony, then destroyed after they served their purpose, and it was considered sacrilegious to leave the paintings intact. Navajo sand painting began to be adapted for tourists in the mid-20th century, particularly after World War II, as interest in Native American art grew. The shift occurred as Navajo artists began creating permanent sand paintings on boards, separating them from their sacred ceremonial context to preserve cultural privacy.

Please note this item may fall under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and may not be eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private Aurora, Colorado, USA collection

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#188137

  • Condition: Intact and excellent. Both are framed, some abrasions and chips to large wood frame.

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August 29, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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