The Navajo Art of Sandpainting

By Douglas Congdon-Martin

Book Overview

Sandpainting has it origin in the religious tradition and practice of the Navajo people. It forms a central part of their religious chants, being a place where Earth People and Holy People come into harmony, giving healing and protection. Sandpainting is understood as being very powerful, and for many years it was deemed unwise and even dangerous not to erase the paintings when the ritual was completed. In the course of the twentieth century this attitude has modified allowing for many representations to be made, while still not violating the religious traditions. Sandpainting thus have come to be an internationally appreciated and collected art form. In this newly revised and expanded volume, over 400 sandpaintings are illustrated in full color. They range from the most traditional to the new forms that are being developed today. The sandpaintings are organized by artist, making this an important reference for collectors.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0887402712
• ISBN13: 9780887402715
• Release Date: January 1990
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
• Length: 63 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.

Customer Reviews

a catalogue of sand paintings

This book shows images of sandpaintings by various artists. It's interesting to compare the different styles, but there are very few explanations as to what the myths mean.