Yei and Yei Be Chei's

Rug # T40

1.5' X 3.0'

$600

Yeis is a stylized figure of a Navajo deity which has been adapted from the sandpainting designs of the religious healing ceremonies. These designs first appeared in the Shiprock area around 1910. Today this style of weaving is found throughout the Reservation. The rugs from around the Shiprock area tend to be smaller and picture fewer Yei figures.

Yei-Be-Ches are a type of rug that represents the human personification of the Yei or the Gods. They represent dancers in the Navajo healing ceremony known as the Night Way Chant. Usually the dancers are shown dancing in profile. Due to the tremendous amount of work that is put into the detail of the rug and the spiritual nature of the dance few of these rugs are made. Most of the rugs are produced in the Shiprock area.