79111 Vintage Yeibichai Navajo Rug, 02'05 x 02'00.
This handwoven wool vintage Navajo Yeibichai rug is a masterful expression of spiritual tradition and artistic heritage. Its captivating design centers on three female Yeibichai figures, depicted with square heads, a hallmark of Navajo weaving symbolism that distinguishes the female from the male Yei, who traditionally have round heads. These figures stand tall and symmetrical, holding sacred eagle feathers in their hands—an enduring symbol of divine connection and prayer. Eagle feathers represent a link between the earthly and spiritual realms, as the eagle is revered for soaring closest to the heavens. The careful attention to detail in their ceremonial attire, including geometric patterns in the bodies and the colorful elements surrounding them, speaks to the weaver’s deep understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of the Yeibichai.
The Yeibichai figures are surrounded by lush, stylized cornstalk motifs—symbols of life, sustenance, and fertility in Navajo culture. Corn, a sacred staple of Navajo life, embodies renewal, growth, and the blessings of abundance from the earth. Its repeated appearance alongside the Yeibichai figures reinforces the interconnectedness of the natural world and the spiritual guardians who bring harmony and balance to life. The vibrant red and green hues of the cornstalks provide a striking contrast to the soft, abrashed ivory-beige field, imbuing the piece with both warmth and vibrancy.
The earthy tones of the Yeibichai rug—rich sienna browns, soft greens, deep black, and lively reds—reflect the desert landscapes of the Native American homeland. These natural colors ground the design and evoke the land’s beauty, while also serving as a reminder of the Navajo people's sacred connection to Mother Earth. The balanced composition and mirrored placement of the Yeibichai figures lend a sense of order and spiritual harmony, inviting blessings and protection into the home.
The border, rendered in a warm brown tone, frames the composition like a protective shield, reinforcing the rug’s role as a sacred and symbolic piece. It is a common belief that the figures within Navajo weavings, especially those representing Yeibichai, carry protective energies and spiritual guidance. This Navajo pictorial rug serves not only as a decorative masterpiece but also as a woven prayer for balance, harmony, and prosperity.
In every thread of this vintage Navajo rug, the spirit of the Yeibichai dances in quiet reverence. Whether hung as a piece of cultural artwork or laid as a grounding presence in a space, this textile radiates a timeless beauty and profound spiritual significance. It is a testament to the artistry, heritage, and beliefs of the Navajo people, offering both a visual and symbolic connection to their enduring traditions.
- Abrash.
- Handwoven wool.
- Made in America.
- Measures: 02'05 x 02'00.
- Pile Height: 0.05 of an inch.
- Date: 1940's. Mid-20th Century.
