Navajo Sand Art

Some of the most important symbols in Navajo culture are found in Sand Paintings (or “dry paintings”). Sand paintings are a part of a very sacred religious ceremony for the Navajo people.

To create these sacred works, the Shaman of the tribe 'paints' by letting colored sand fall carefully through his fingers onto the ground, creating holy symbols and holy figures that are believed to heal.

After the sand painting is complete, a person who is suffering an illness or issue is asked to sit on the painting while the medicine man recites healing chants. 

For more about this facinating art form, visit the Old Jail Art Center web site here