Navajo Yei Be Chai Indian Rug

ca 1980

33'' x 43''

“Yei-be-chai” is the name of the masked human dancer participating in the actual healing ceremony and impersonating the Yei. The Yei-be-chai rug portrays a line of dancers, usually shown from the side and often with one foot raised as though in a synchronized dancing motion. The patient for whom the ceremony is being held may be shown facing the procession. The medicine man and “Talking God” often lead the way, and a clown is often shown at the end of the line.