An Early Navajo Pictorial Yei Rug

ca 1920

47" x 36"

Smooth hand spun wool warp and weft. With the rarely seen Red Field, with variation of red tones in the field giving the piece an organic nature. With large Female (square head) Rainbow Yei figure and two Large Standing Male (round heads)  Yei Figures. Excellent overall condition.

From a Private New York Collection

A Yei rug portrays Holy People—supernatural beings who mediate between humans and the spiritual realm. These designs emerged in the early 20th century when Diné weavers began translating ceremonial imagery into wool under strict cultural rules. Yei rugs are devotional pictorials, not just decorative textiles. They visually echo elements from sandpainting traditions, though always in an altered, respectful form.

Yei figures represent:

• Healing

• Balance (Hózhó)

• Connection to the Holy People

• Protection

In ceremonial sandpaintings, Yei stand on a rainbow path, but rugs often omit or stylize this element to avoid replicating sacred designs too literally. The diamond motifs between your figures likely represent directional balance or portal symbols, common in mid‑century Yei rugs.