Yei Antique Rugs - Meaningful Navajo Tradition

The Pueblo peoples were the first weavers in the Southwest. Recognizing an opportunity to trade with the newly arrived Spanish explorers, the Navajo tribes began weaving sometime in the late 1600's. After much upheaval with the white settlers and other Indian tribes, the Navajo began weaving rugs intended for sale in the 1800's with great success. Yei antique rugs from this period are among the most prized Native American weavings today.
The Navajo called their gods "Yei". Many of the Yei antique rug patterns were adapted from religious sand paintings used in healing ceremonies. The Yei is a thin supernatural being who has the power to heal others. Yeis can be male or female, but male figures are most popular. Typically, if a figure has a round head, it is male, while square headed figures are female. Traditional Yei figures face forward. Navajo rugs also feature "Yei-be-chai," or the dancers in the sacred ceremonies that impersonate the dieties. These dancers are usually depicted in profile.
Authentic Yei antique rugs will have no knots. The ends are carried through the carpet and secured by pounding them into the weaving. The traditional Navajo loom is vertical and non mechanical. The weaver is seated on the floor and works from the bottom of the rug upwards. Traditional patterns include stripes and spirit lines, a single thread that connects the center of the carpet with an edge. Tradition holds that this spirit line allows the weaver's spirit to be released from the work.
Navajo Yei antique rugs can be expensive, but they are beautiful and filled with tradition and spirit. Consider one of these wonderful rugs for you home and infuse your surroundings with ancient spirit and meaning.

Nancy Watson writes teeth whitening reviews as well as about teeth whitening trays.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Watson