Description:

North America, Southwestern, Arizona or New Mexico, Navajo, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A hand-woven wool yei rug with stylized figures or spirit deities known as "Yeibicheii" or "yei" for short. The front facing square heads indicate these are female deities, and one has an elongated body, symbolizing the Rainbow Yei. The Rainbow Yei’s curved body envelops the south, west, and north sides - protecting the image within the rug and the viewer from harm. The omission of the east is attributed to the Dine belief that no malevolent forces emanate from that direction. The first yei style rugs were produced in the 1890s, and they were a controversial pattern amongst some Dine people- the patterns of the rugs are based on ritualistic sand paintings that were destroyed after the ceremony's conclusion, and it was considered sacrilegious to weave the deities' faces. Size: 58" L x 30.5" W (147.3 cm x 77.5 cm)

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 Reinsmoen collection, Clear Lake, Iowa, acquired through descent from Robert Anderson, acquired prior to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#185090

  • Condition: Heavy pilling and wear to the fibers from use. Spot stains and areas of discoloration. We recommend professional cleaning. Intact and tightly woven.

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March 28, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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