Adobe Gallery Blog
Original Painting of a Full-Figure Yei by Tony Abeyta - 25858
The Yei (pronounced yay) are the supernatural beings of the Diné. They are often pictured today in Navajo textiles and fine art, but their original, and still current, presentation was in ceremonial healing sandpaintings. Once the taboo was broken in the early 20th century of presenting healing sandpaintings only in non-permanent form, other uses of the Yei figures developed. Ceremonial healing sandpaintings must be destroyed after use and there was a time when this was the only manner in which the Yei figure was seen. After the Yei was presented in woven textile form in the early 20th century, its use became more common in items such as permanent sandpaintings made to sell to tourists. Today, there are no restrictions against presenting the Yei in art form.