Sandpaintings

Rug # Z115

45" X 42"

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"Whirling Logs"

Weavings depicting Navajo sandpaintings are some of the most sought-after rugs made by the Navajos. The are patterned after dry paintings made from colored sands and are used only for specific curing ceremonies. These ceremonies can be performed solely by the Hatathli, or medicine man, who has spent many years learning a particular "sing."

In the early 1920's a very powerful Medicine man from the Two Grey Hills area began weaving full sandpaintings designs into his rugs. It was his desire to preserve the sandpaintings of some of the important ceremonies that he conducted. His name was Hosteen Klah or left handed Singer. He taught two of his nieces the art of creating these very detailed designs. His two nieces were Gladys and Irene Manuelito. Gladys in turn taught her daughter in law Ruby, who is still making these rugs today. It is not clear is Hosteen Klah was the first person to make a sandpainting rug, but he is probable the first to do so with a lifetime of training with ceremonial knowledge.

Today there are still only a very few Navajo weavers who are willing or capable of producing these symbolic images of their ceremonial heritage. These rugs require a very high degree of skill, patience and technical ability. Rugs with these designs are made in several different parts of the Reservation. The ones with the finest weaves and most accurate designs are made in the Two Grey Hills and Shiprock areas. These rugs are produced in limited numbers and are sought after by museums and collectors. Some of the sandpainting rugs are the rarest and most valuable of all Navajo rugs.