Description: Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Navajo sand paintings are intricate, colorful designs made from sand and other natural materials. These artworks are transient in nature, spellbinding with their detailed patterns. Originating as a part of the healing and ceremonial life of the traditional Navajo people, performed by a Medicine Man, and erased when the ritual was over. These complex ceremonies involve the use of herbs, prayers, songs, chants and sandpaintings. In the 1960s, Navajo artists began to use the sand painting designs to create simple paintings, made with these same materials, in permanent form. The patterns were taken from traditional sand paintings but were never duplicated exactly. To do so is considered sacrilegious. The sand is usually adhered to particle board. An adhesive is spread on the surface and the granules are dropped onto the board the same way the Medicine Man did on the floor of the hogan. Sandpaintings vary in detail, many coming very close to representing the original ceremonial use and some are very simple. In all Native American art, the artist strives for balance, harmony, beauty, and order. The designs and symbols were often forms of communication or a way to honor the gods. The Navajo people call themselves Dine', literally meaning "The People." Pronounce the word as "Di Nay". The word "Navajo" comes from a Tewa-Puebloan word, "nava hu," as was told to the Spanish conquistadors. Sandpaintings are made from sandstone and minerals that are ground to a fine consistency and applied one layer at a time to a wood backing with a special glue mixture. The sand is not painted. The colored sand comes from many different sources, such as colored rocks, roots, flowers, sand, bark, ashes, and cactus. The quality of a sandpainting is determined by the complexity of the design and the fineness of the materials used. Finely ground sand and the skilled hand of the Navajo artist produce beautiful works of art. The designs carry special meanings and subjects familiar to the Navajo people. The frame is made of solid oak and very well crafted. This art piece is intricately double-matted, using southwest colors and cut into traditional Navajo patterns. There is no glass. This piece has a saw-toothed hanger affixed to the back ready for hanging on your wall. It measures 12-1/8” x 12-1/8” and depicts a sun/moon and eagle painting with the initials BWH. This authentic Navajo made sandpainting was purchased in 2004 at the Conservancy Park Store at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The Navajo Nation lies adjacent to, and east of the Grand Canyon. This framed sandpainting can be used in so many ways and make a great addition to any room. This exquisite piece of art is a true representation of the Navajo culture and is a must-have for any art enthusiast. This piece is perfect for collectors who appreciate Native American art and want to add a special piece to their collection or to give as a loving gift. The frame & matting alone are worth the starting price!
Price: 30 USD
Location: Sandwich, Illinois
End Time: 2025-01-05T22:16:35.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Origin: Navajo Nation
Provenance: One owner
Tribal Affiliation: Navajo
Artisan: Authentic Navajo artist w/initials BWH
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Culture: Native American: US
