Yei Rugs History
The portrayal of navajo ceremonial art in rugs is generally attributed to hosteen klah a navajo medicine man and weaver born in 1867 and died in 1937.
Yei rugs history. In the 16th century when the spanish arrived and subsequently conquered the peaceful pueblo indian cultures of what is now new mexico and the american southwest the navajo or dine peoples which then lived north of the pueblos were seldom if ever seen by the spanish and known mostly through the pueblo indian stories and encounters often stories of. A dozen or more colors may be used. The shiprock yei navajo indian rugs customarily have a white or light colored background and incorporate bright bold hues. The yei be chei weavings present the dancers as they dance perform and enact the ceremony of the yeis.
Yei spirits were believed to control natural elements such. Their postures are. Ceremonies are performed to either attract or exorcise effects to the people. The yei symbol is a frequently used pattern in navajo rugs.
Yei are religious deities taken from the navajo sand paintings. Yéí or yéʼii spirit deity of the navajo nation the most benevolent of such beings are the diyin diné e or holy people who are associated with the forces of nature. Yéi there are a number of divinities in the navaho pantheon known as yéi which is translated god or genius what distinction exists between the yéi and other gods is not easy to. Yei are deity and the figures are tall and slender and bearing ceremonial embellishments.
Genuine yei yei be chei navajo rugs for sal at nizhoni ranch gallery new items added on a regular basis. Visit steve getzwiller s nizhoni ranch gallery online store for the best selection of navajo rug weaving and blankets for sale as well as native american art of all kinds. Yei is the navajo name for a deity or a holy one. Shiprock yei and yeibichai achieved regional style status during the 1940 s.
The yei navajo rugs begin in the northwest corner of the reservation in the early part of the 20 century developed by will evans trader and owner of the shiprock trading company. The navajo yeii or yei navajo. Yeibichai rugs depict the ceremony in which dancers attempt to call the spirits.