4 x 5 Antique Navajo Pictorial Tree of Life Rug 78722

78722 Antique Navajo Tree of Life Pictorial Rug, 03'11 x 05'03.

A Navajo Tree of Life Pictorial Yei rug is a type of traditional Navajo rug that incorporates imagery of the Tree of Life along with figures representing Yei, which are spiritual beings in Navajo culture. The Tree of Life symbolizes the interconnectedness of all living things and is a common motif in Navajo art and culture. Yei figures are important spiritual entities in Navajo religion and are often depicted in ceremonial contexts. These rugs are typically handwoven using wool yarn and feature intricate designs and vibrant colors. They hold cultural significance and are often used in Navajo ceremonies, as well as being prized as works of art by collectors. The combination of the Tree of Life motif with Yei figures makes these rugs particularly meaningful within Navajo culture.

Enter the captivating world of Navajo myth and legend, where the Tree of Life unfolds as a poetic interpretation of origin, the rhythmic dance of life's progression, and the sacred connections woven with the surroundings. The stage is set with a rich, abrashed warm red and brown field, highlighting a tree of life motif depicted as a Yei cornstalk emerging gracefully from a Navajo wedding basket, its leaves adorned with whimsical lizards and feathers dancing in harmony with nature's embrace. A visual feast unfolds, as meticulously outlined patterns come alive against the earthy backdrop, revealing a depth and robustness that define the rug's essence. The intricate interplay of delineated shapes and bold earth-tone colors forms an esoteric juxtaposition within the geometric design. 

In this enchanting masterpiece, the Tree of Life emerges as more than just threads and hues; it embodies a jubilant ode to the wonders of the natural realm. Its interwoven strands whisper ancient tales of the Navajo, urging us to heed the profound wisdom of living in symbiotic accord with the earth. For the tribes of the Southwest and the Plains, the creatures within hold profound cultural significance. Among them, the lizard reigns, with its mystic abilities for healing. Shedding its tail to evade predators and rejuvenating it anew, the lizard embodies a cycle of renewal cherished by many Native American traditions. Revered as Grandpa (Yei bi Chei) by the tribes of the Southwest, the horned lizard carries sacred healing energies, linking the earthly and the spiritual.

Checkerboard patterned birds are perched among the cornstalk branches, typically symbolizing abundance through rows of corn flourishing in fertile fields and representing the celestial expanse with visions of starry nights or rain-laden skies, evoking hope for bountiful crops. This timeless pattern transcends its geometric form, becoming a canvas for the dreams and aspirations of humanity, reflecting the cyclical harmony between nature's bounty and our longing for sustenance and growth.

Sacred as the feathers of the eagle, symbols of transcendence between realms, each plume is a testament to the bond between the physical and the divine. Woven into ceremonies and rites, these feathers, representative of the Holy People or Yei, carry profound meaning. Should a feather descend from a soaring bird and be caught ere touching the earth, it bears a message of deliverance, destined to be immortalized in the fabric of tradition.

Every stitch, every lizard, every feather, they weave a tapestry of life's intricate dance, beckoning you to embrace the enchantment of the Tree of Life. In its embrace lies a timeless communion with the pulsing heartbeat of nature, an invitation to join in its eternal symphony.

Bordered by repeating eagle feather motifs outlined in red against a beige background flanked with a simple black guard border, this Navajo kilim rug achieves a refined finish. Traditional craftsmanship seamlessly converges with Native American allure, creating a visual symphony of cultural richness. The bold earthy tones pay homage to the rugged landscapes of the Southwest, infusing any space with a modern vibrancy.

• Rendered in red, brown, beige, taupe, gray, green, yellow, blue and greige with other accent colors.
• Abrash.
• Handwoven wool.
• Made in America.
• Measures: 03'11 x 05'03.
• Date: 1920s. Early 20th Century.