Navajo Sand Painting of a Yeii Male Deity

This is a traditional Navajo (Diné) sand painting measuring 4 by 10 inches, depicting a Yeii Spirit figure, likely a Male God. The artwork is constructed using finely ground minerals and naturally colored sands adhered to a rectangular board. The central figure features a tall, slender orange body with stylized black and grey geometric accents, hands raised in a characteristic prayer or blessing position. The head is detailed with a white feather, a blackened face, and a silver-glittered neck piece, which is a common modern aesthetic addition. The color palette includes earth tones—terracotta, tan, grey, black, and white—against a uniform tan sand background. The craftsmanship shows precise, steady line work typical of twentieth-century commercial sand art produced for the tourism market. Condition appears good with sharp corners and no visible loss of the sandy medium, though there is a minor white mark at the very bottom left corner. This style of 'secular' sand painting emerged in the mid-20th century, evolving from sacred ceremonial practices into a recognized fine art form. While it lacks a visible signature on the front, such pieces often carry identification on the reverse.