Traditional Navajo Ceremonies
Sand painting is a traditional practice of the Navajo tribe, and is used in ceremonies in order to establish connection with the gods. The paintings have to be produced by the tribes Medicine Man, as only he has the right to commune with the gods so closely. He uses different coloured sands, pollen and ground bark to create these spectacular images. None of these images are authentic Navajo sand paintings, as it is considered profane for a sand painting to be viewed outside of a ritual, as they are conduits for the gods.
They are often used in healing ceremonies, in which the Medicine Man will chant to the Yeibicheii, or holy people, to come through the painting and heal the patient.
I think the figures in these sandpaintings are very visually distinct, and the Navajo style is one of my favourites amongst Native American art. The simple line creates an image that is distinctly tribal, but the subject matter goes far beyond that. These sandpaintings are an embodiment of cultural beliefs and gatherings. These gods and ceremonies brought people together to aid one another. Perhaps this is something we can learn from?
They are often used in healing ceremonies, in which the Medicine Man will chant to the Yeibicheii, or holy people, to come through the painting and heal the patient.
I think the figures in these sandpaintings are very visually distinct, and the Navajo style is one of my favourites amongst Native American art. The simple line creates an image that is distinctly tribal, but the subject matter goes far beyond that. These sandpaintings are an embodiment of cultural beliefs and gatherings. These gods and ceremonies brought people together to aid one another. Perhaps this is something we can learn from?
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