Sandpainting Tapestry from the Nightway Chant [SOLD]

The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 might be considered the catalyst that started the Navajo women weaving textiles. A large number of Pueblo Indians fled westward during this period and eventually intermarried with the Navajo. The pueblo men were excellent weavers and it is believed that the Navajo women, because of their expertise in basket weaving, took up the weaving techniques from the pueblo men.

There has always existed a cultural taboo against creating sacred sandpaintings in any permanent form. Traditionally, sandpaintings are destroyed after completion of the ceremony for which they were created. Hosteen Klah was convinced by Mary Cabot Wheelright in the 1920s to overcome this taboo and weave sandpaintings in tapestry form.

Other weavers eventually followed his lead and began weaving sandpaintings in tapestry form. This weaving depicts “Whirling Logs with Holy People,” from the Nightway Chant. The four Gods depicted have been described by Tyrone Campbell as Hastseyalti (Talking God) in the East—God of Dawn and the Eastern Sky; Hastsehogan (House God) in the West—God of the sunset and western sky; and Ganaskidi (two Humpback Gods) in the North and South—Gods of harvest, plenty, and mist. The Rainbow Guardian is rendered in two colors to indicate its dual sexuality.