Navajo Sand Painting of a Bear Dancer by L. Sandman

This is a 6x6 inch Navajo sand painting created on a square particle board or mansonite base. The artwork depicts a traditional Diné (Navajo) ceremonial figure, specifically a Bear Dancer or a figure associated with the Bear Way, which is a powerful healing ceremony. The figure is shown wearing two upright white feathers in the hair, a ruff or collar of mountain tobacco or fur, and carrying a traditional ceremonial object in the right hand. The colors are earthy and derived from natural sandstone and minerals, including shades of terracotta, ochre, slate grey, white, and charcoal black. The texture is granular, created by adhering fine sand to the board surface. The background features stylized buttes and mesas characteristic of Monument Valley, along with sparse desert vegetation. The craftsmanship shows careful attention to the line work and proportions typical of commercial sand paintings from the late 20th century (estimatated 1970s-1990s). The condition appears excellent with no visible loss of sand, cracking, or water damage, though light edge wear is common for unframed pieces of this age. The item is attributed to 'L. Sandman' based on the provided context, which often represents a family of artists or a particular workshop style known for these souvenir-quality spiritual representations.