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Replica of a Drypainting (Iikaah) after a drypainting by Tsi-tcaci, late 1800s-early 1900s
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Replica of a Drypainting (Iikaah) after a drypainting by Tsi-tcaci, late 1800s-early 1900s
Replica of a Drypainting (Iikaah) after a drypainting by Tsi-tcaci, late 1800s-early 1900s. This hides imagery reproduces one of the drypaintings (sandpaintings) used during curing rituals by the Navajo of the American southwest. In Navajo thought, illness is caused by an imbalance in natural forces, which healing rites try to correct. To that end the drypaintings, created by pouring crushed pigments onto a sand-covered floor, often diagram an ordered, harmonious universe. Here four spiritual beings, perhaps patrons of the plants that sprout between them, radiate from a circular pool of water. By body colour and position, these beings describe phases of the suns motion, placing them in balanced relation-the white of eastern dawn light appears across from yellow (the western sunset), and the black night sky (north) balances middays blue (south). Encircling the group is a rainbow, which carries spiritual beings between this world and " the other side." Drypainting rites are performed during the last half of complex, eight-day healing ceremonies. After each painting is completed, its figures are brought to life with a blessing. Then the patient-called the " one-sung-over" because a singer (hataalii) chants much of the ceremony-sits on the painting and its pigments are applied to the ailing body. In this way, the one-sung-over is identified with the painting
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Media ID 19649015
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Late 19th Early 20th Century Native North American Navajo Southwest Oil Paints
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This print showcases a replica of a drypainting (Iikaah) created by Tsi-tcaci, a Navajo artist, in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Drypaintings, also known as sandpaintings, hold immense significance in Navajo culture as they are used during healing rituals to restore balance and harmony within the natural forces that govern life. In this particular drypainting, we witness four spiritual beings emanating from a circular pool of water. These beings are believed to be patrons of the plants that grow between them, symbolizing their connection with nature. The arrangement and colors of these figures represent different phases of the sun's motion - white for eastern dawn light opposite yellow for western sunset, and black for night sky balancing blue for midday south. Encircling this harmonious group is a rainbow which serves as a conduit between our world and "the other side" carrying spiritual beings across realms. It is through these intricate representations that the Navajo seek to restore equilibrium and heal illnesses caused by imbalances in natural forces. During complex eight-day healing ceremonies, drypainting rites take place in the latter half. Once completed, each painting is brought to life through blessings before being utilized in the healing process. The patient sits on top of the painting while its pigments are applied onto their body - an act symbolizing their identification with the artwork itself. This remarkable photograph captures not only the beauty but also deep cultural significance embedded within Navajo drypaintings – timeless expressions of spirituality and healing practices passed down through generations.
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