Navajo Weaving, Yei C003671

Navajo weaving Shiprock Yei woven in 1971. Features two Yei figures standing in the Corn plants and surrounded by a Rainbow Yei. Corn is one of the four sacred plants to the Navajo people and the Rainbow God protects the Yei figures and the rainbow itself comes out after the rains which waters the corn. A rainbow Yei, sometimes considered an aspect of the rain-god Water Sprinkler, is drawn around every sandpainting; his body curls around the south, west, and north sides to protect the painting from outside influences, and to protect the user from the power of the god depicted in the painting. He does not need to cover the east, because no evil can come from the east in Navajo thought. Measures 34.5 by 39.5 inches.