Handwoven by Diné (Navajo) weaver Sandra Chischilly of Tsaile, Arizona, this Navajo Yei rug is a striking example of a weaving style inspired by sacred sandpainting imagery used in traditional healing ceremonies. This rug is woven from a blend of hand-spun sheep wool and commercially dyed wool to create vibrant color and visual depth. Stylized, front-facing Yei figures—supernatural beings believed to act as intermediaries between the Navajo people and the natural world—stand in long, slender forms across the weaving, while a Rainbow Guardian border surrounds the figures in a protective embrace.
Yei rugs originated in the early 1900s as weavers began translating temporary ceremonial sand paintings into permanent woven form. While the sand paintings themselves are sacred and temporary, Yei rugs represent a respectful interpretation of those designs for artistic and cultural expression. Sandra Chischilly’s weaving reflects this tradition through careful wool preparation, balanced composition, and the preservation of a weaving style that carries deep cultural meaning, symbolism, and history within Navajo textile traditions.
Artist: Sandra Chischilly of Tsaile, Arizona
Navajo rug
Materials: Sheep wool, hand spun and a mixture of natural and commercial dyes
Size: 28" x 42"
Care instructions: Includes a “Caring for Your Textile” brochure
Handcrafted, Native American rug
Made in the USA
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Navajo Yei Rug by Sandra Chischilly | Handwoven Navajo Textile
