Two Navajo Spirits (Yeii Bi Cheii) Sandpainting
Navajo Sandpainting (Permanent) on particle board or wood panel • Anonymous Navajo (Diné) Artist
Style & Movement
Native American Folk Art / Traditional Navajo Cultural Art
Medium & Technique
Naturally colored sands, crushed minerals, and stone pigments applied with adhesive over a flat support. Traditional technique adapted for permanent display.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 8 inches; Portrait format with a multi-layered stepped matting.
Subject Description
Features two stylized Yeii figures (Holy People) in a mirrored, vertical composition. Central motifs include a crescent moon and star, symbolizing the night sky. The figures are surrounded by stylized corn stalks and feathers, representing growth and ritual protection. The stepped border is a traditional geometric frame common in Navajo textiles and sandpaintings.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good. The pigmentation appears vibrant and the sand adhesion seems stable.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$40 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a souvenir or craft piece in the Southwestern United States (Arizona/New Mexico). No specific labels are visible on the front face.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the secularization of sacred healing rituals into a recognized form of commercial art. While traditional sandpaintings are destroyed after a ceremony, these permanent versions allow for the preservation of Diné iconography for public appreciation.
Notable Features
Distinctive double-matted 'stepped' design that echoes the geometric patterns within the artwork itself, housed in a textured light-wood frame characteristic of the 1980s Southwest style.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust and slight aging of the wooden frame. Potential minor granularity loss at the edges hidden by the matting.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent UV fading of natural minerals. Ensure the frame remains sealed to prevent moisture from compromising the adhesive backing of the sand.