Native American, Southwestern United States, Arizona, Tuba, Dine (Navajo), ca. 1950s-1960s CE. A hand-woven sheep wool throw rug in the yei (yeii or ye'ii) style, characterized by stylized figures or spirit deities known as yei. Attached to a corner is the original sale tag circa 1950s-60s, although it is possible the rug predates the tag. The creation of yei rugs was controversial amongst some Dine people- the patterns of the rugs are based on ritualistic sand paintings that were destroyed after the ceremony's conclusion, and it was considered sacrilegious to weave the deities' faces, so weavers often finished the eyes and mouths with embroidery. Size: 50.5" L x 29.5" W (128.3 cm x 74.9 cm)

Please note this item falls under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Please note this item falls under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private Don Phelps collection, owner Todos Santos Trading Post, Alamo, California, collected in Tuba, Arizona, 1964

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#180329

Some pulls and wear to fibers, but tightly woven and intact. A few minor stains and light discoloration. Great vintage condition.