The sandpaintings you see originate from Navajo healing ceremonies. In a ceremony that lasts several days, the medicine man builds a sandpainting and places the patient in the middle of it.
Sandpaintings are very detailed and colorful, and each figure carries a special meaning. The designs are of many subjects familiar to the Navajo people. The most common figures in sandpaintings are the yels (yays) or Navajo holy people. Another frequently used design are the four sacred plants which are corn, beans, squash and tobacco. Other designs may be animals, plants, rainbows, lightning or bows and arrows. Rocks are gathered from around the reservation and crushed into sand to produce the many colors used in the sandpaintings.
This amazingly detailed and complex Navajo symbol of healing has been broadened into a unique art form to be appreciated by many.
Exterior surfaces are NOT finished with
a sealer. These paintings should be dusted only.
These Sandpaintings are ONE of a kinds. No two will ever be identical.
THE ITEMS IN THIS ONLINE CATALOG, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ARE NOT INDIAN PRODUCED, AN INDIAN PRODUCT OR THE PRODUCT OF A PARTICULAR INDIAN, INDIAN TRIBE OR INDIAN ARTS AND CRAFTS ORGANIZATION AS DEFINED BY 2.5 USC & 305 ET SEQ.
Due to color differences in monitors, the colors on this site are for reference only. Please contact Hi-Plains Trading Post if you have any color questions.
Colors & design may vary due to artist interpretation.
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