Navajo+Sand+Painting-snow

Sand Painting
Navajo sand paintings, also called drypaintings, are called "places where the gods come and go" in the Navajo language. Sand paintings are used in curing ceremonies in which the gods' help is requested for harvests and healing.

The figures in sand paintings are symbolic representations of a legend in Navajo mythology. The paintings depict objects like the sacred mountains where the gods live, or legendary visions, or they can also illustrate dances or chants performed in rituals. Sand paintings are an essential part of Navajo ceremonies, and as such, are extremely sacred.

To be used in healing, a chanter selects paintings that will best heal the patient. There are four colors that have to be present in all sand paintings. These colors are white, blue, yellow,and black. After the painting is sanctified, the patient sits on the painting while the chanter performs a ritual to enhance the absorption of its healing power. Immediately after this ritual, the sand from the painting is taken outside and returned to the earth.

Other sand paintings