Pictorial , Ye'i, Ye'i Bi Chei and Sandpainting Weavings
Navajo pictorial weaving has been a mirror of the Navajo experience, with the first documented mention of pictorial weaving in 1840. When the railroad reached Gallup, New Mexico, in 1882, its arrival was reflected in the appearance of a train in a weaving. American Flags, railroad cars and elements such as cattle, chickens, horses, eagles and 5-pointed stars soon appeared. Some of the most intriguing pictorials represent traditional elements of Navajo culture and spiritual life. In the 1920s and 1930s the powerful medicine man, Hosteen Klah, wove ceremonial rugs that were copies (purposefully not exact copies) of sandpaintings that were created and destroyed in the same day. Soon it was common to find Ye'i (Navajo Holy People) and Ye'i Bi Chei dancers portrayed on weavings. Isabel John, the most famous of the pictorial weavers, passed away when the automobile in which she was riding was hit by an intoxicated driver in December 2004. For more information on this wonderful weaver, click here. We have three of her weavings on our last Pictorial page.
For additional information and an article on pictorial weaving by Jackson Clark, click here. |  | |
This is a lovely weaving with a windmill in the scenery. It measures 21 inches by 19 1/2 inches.
This weaving is made with handspun wool. It is an excellent size and a lovely weave. It measures 46 inches by 23 inches
This is a very unusual design for a weaving. One can see the Yei figures connected with branches, like that of a tree. It measures 58 inches by 34 inches.
This is a beautiful Sandpainting style weaving. It is made with an extremely tight weave. It measures 39 inches by 23 inches.
This Yei Bi Chei weaving has a nice border and the great use of color and balance. It measures 28 inches by 41 inches.
There is no border on this Yei Bi Chei weaving. The gray in the background is lovely. It measures 22 inches by 34 inches.
There are two Yei figures in this weaving. It is very tightly woven and made of neutral colors. It measures 21 inches by 31 1/2 inches.
This Yei Bi Chei weaving has a very neutral colored background while the figures are very colorful. It measures 48 inches by 22 inches.
This weaving depicts the Yei'Bi'Chei dance. It is very colorful. It measures 28 inches by 26 inches.
Circa 1980. This contemporary weaving is beautiful. There are two different spiritual figures depicted on this weaving. It measures 46 inches by 25 inches.
This weaving took second prize at the Museum of Northern Arizona. It is a handsome weaving that measures 32 inches by 40 inches.
This is a large Yei weaving that is colorful and tightly woven. It measures 86 inches by 56 inches.
Circa 1920. This weaving is very unique. The designs are lovely and the color of the wool and red are fantastic. It measures 48 inches by 64 inches.
This Yei weaving is has an interesting color combination. There is quite a bit of brown and orange accents. It measures 22 inches by 25 inches.
There are three figures on this small weaving. It is an excellent example of Navajo weaving. It measures 15 1/2 inches by 15 inches.
This sandpainting weaving is made close to a square shape and is made with excellent precision and detail. It measures 50 1/2 inches by 45 inches.
"Dance Scene" This weaving depicts a dance scene. It's ethnographic depiction of Navajo life is fascinating. It measures 45 inches by 34 inches.
This colorful weaving is a two in one. It has two designs. One which is a Storm pattern and the other a Pictorial. It measures 36 inches by 46 inches.
Railroad Pictorial. This weaving is a combination of and old style weaving with a pictorial train as well. It measures 39 1/2 inches by 25 inches.
Circa 1970. This weaving was made with handspun wool. It has heavy feel would make an excellent addition to any collection. It measures 71 inches by 38 inches.
