Religious Origins of Navajo Sand Painting
An authentic Navajo sand painting was believedto be a "portal" with the power to heal.
The origin of sand painting for the Navajo had nothing to do with art. The purpose of a Navajo sand painting was medical. It was used by the Shaman or medicine man, more like a "tool" or "instrument". It was believed that "holy people" entered this world through the painting - like a gateway between realms. But, only if it was properly constructed. Once here, if all the other ritual protocol was adhered to, these good spirits would grant healing and protection. The cultural name for a Navajo sand painting is "iikaah", which loosely translates as "place where gods come and go.” The holy spirits that were believed to perform the healing, where known as Yeibicheii, or Yei for short. The medicine man would chant to the Yeibicheii while he was creating the painting; asking them to come through it and heal their patient.
The skill of the painter (medicine man) and the accuracy of the Navajo sand painting determines how productive it was as a healing tool. When completed, the patient was asked to sit on the painting, while the Holy Yei draw the illness or "evil spirits" from their bodies. If the ceremony was successful, the sickness was believed to flow into the Yeibicheii's realm through the painting or portal. After which the sand painting was considered "toxic" or "contaminated", and it was destroyed. As a part of the ritual ceremony, a Navajo sand painting was required to be begun, completed, used, and disposed of within a twelve hour period. Medicine men rarely permit outsiders to view or photograph the sacred ritual for any reason.
So, what are the beautiful art works that we see in museums and fine art galleries, if they are not authentic Navajo Sand Painting? None ARE authentic Navajo sand paintings. All of the work we see today have been created with purposeful errors. Remember, the Navajo believe that a correctly rendered sand painting is a "portal" to the Yei's realm. If not destroyed immediately that portal would remain "open" thus amounting to a "never-ending cry beseeching the Yei to appear". It would be considered extremely profane act for a medicine man to create an "authentic" Navajo sand painting purely for display purposes.
However, in order for a Navajo sand painting to be GENUINE it must be VERY EXACT with respect to depiction of the Yei, colors, order and symmetry within the painting, etc. Any deviation from these strict dictates will NOT open the "portal". Thus, any sand painting with purposeful errors in it, won't REALLY be a "ceremonial Navajo sand painting", and it is "permitted" to be displayed. Most importantly to Navajo economics, it is accepted as a legitimate art form and can be sold to tourist and collectors.
The first sand painting pattern to be exhibited in a permanent form is credited to Navajo medicine man Hosteen Klah. But not as a painting, rather he wove a Navajo sand painting design - "Whirling Logs" - into a rug. Eventually, he and his nieces, over the next several years wove over seventy rugs with sand painting designs. All, with many errors in them according to knowledgeable sources. Over the ensuing years, Navajo sand paintings have developed as a bona fide art form, while remaining strictly true to religious beliefs. Today's sand paintings have evolved somewhat, into pictorial sand art which
reflects the Navajo environment, traditions and lifestyle. High quality examples of these are sought out vigorously by museums, professional designers, and avid collectors all over the world. To get the best price and selection on an authentic Navajo sand painting you need to visit the native American shops and trading posts on or near their reservation in New Mexico and Arizona. For those not fortunate enough to reside or visit that area, the second best place to buy a Navajo sand painting at discount pricing is at an internet auction site like eBay.
reflects the Navajo environment, traditions and lifestyle. High quality examples of these are sought out vigorously by museums, professional designers, and avid collectors all over the world. To get the best price and selection on an authentic Navajo sand painting you need to visit the native American shops and trading posts on or near their reservation in New Mexico and Arizona. For those not fortunate enough to reside or visit that area, the second best place to buy a Navajo sand painting at discount pricing is at an internet auction site like eBay.
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