Vintage American Navajo Pictorial Rug

Wool pattern wefts in tapestry technique on a cotton foundation. In a palette of red, black, flannel grey, and ecru, this horizontal piece presents bold zigzags framing a row of twelve costumed Yei dancers. A reciprocal red-and-ecru stepped angular wave border surrounds the field, while a wide black band contains the action. Yei rugs have gained popularity relatively recently, as the original sand paintings were destroyed after the ceremony.