Diné Rug

Diné (Navajo) Rug
Yei People
Wool

The pattern you see on this Navajo rug is called a Yei pattern, initially drawn for a ceremonial sand painting before weaving. The first Yei depictions in textiles during the 1930s were quite controversial, as they were originally only illustrated in sand paintings that were destroyed after the healing ceremony was concluded. Yeis are Navajo Holy People that mediate between the Great Spirit and humans. Because of their spiritual significance, the weaver must be related to or closely tied to a Medicine Man and receive a blessing prior to patterning. In this pattern each of the Yei figures has arrow symbolism descending from the elbows, and the two peripheral figures also have arrows atop the head.  The Yei wear “skirts” with mountain symbolism, turquoise necklaces and earrings or hair ties.  Between each Yei are stalks of corn.