Navajo Sand Art?

Here's the next set of inheritance from grandma K.

A matched pair of sand artworks signed “K. Benally?”. The handwritten inscription identifies the subject as a “Coyote dancer” and states that they dance two by two for healing and blessing sick people. We do not know whether the inscription refers to a Diné tradition, another community’s tradition, or the artist’s own description. Any help would again be awesome!

 

@komokwa might have some insight on this.

 

Most likely a Diné tradition. Benally is another Diné (Navajo) name, and the figure with the rectangular head looks like Yei, a spirit or supernatural being in Diné mythology.

 

While traditional Navajo sandpaintings are temporary, sacred visual prayers created on the ground during healing ceremonies and ritually destroyed by sunset, commercial sandpaintings on board emerged in the mid-20th century. To honor tribal religious protocols and prevent disrespecting the sacred imagery, Navajo commercial artisans intentionally introduce slight alterations, color shifts, or structural omissions from the strict ceremonial originals. This allows collectors to preserve and appreciate the gorgeous aesthetics of Southwestern indigenous art without infringing on sacred traditions.

The figures depicted are Yei (Holy People), who act as spiritual messengers and mediators between the Navajo people and the Creator. The figure on the left (the selected region) features a squared rectangular head mask traditionally associated with a Female Yei, while the companion board on the right features a rounded head mask traditionally associated with a Male Yei. Both figures hold sacred plants, likely cornstalks or beans, symbolizing harvest, growth, and cosmic balance.

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The signature K. Benally points to a member of the well-known Benally family of Navajo sandpainters and artisans from the Four Corners region.

I'd need them in my hand to know if they were signed by the artist...... or just tourist art that use his design..?

Is that a K or an L..?

 

These boards look to be authentic Navajo sandpaintings crafted by the Navajo artist Lehi Benally, who frequently signs his work as L. Benally.

but I can't yet confirm that....

 

So my next question is if Komokwa ever got to meet Chief Halftown.

 

Ah, yes, that was it. It has been about 40 years since I last sold a Diné sandpainting, so my memory was a bit hazy.

 

I'll try to get a better picture of the signature when I get home. It looks like a K to me, but this is written in pencil. Add 40+ years of time, and fade happens.

 

I'm met several Chiefs , and Elijah Harper signed this David Neel print in my Gallery..




Elijah was born on March 3, 1949 at Red Sucker Lake First Nation in northeastern Manitoba. He had many brothers - Fred, Les, (Chief of Red Sucker Lake First Nation) Saul, Marius, Darryl and Edmund - and sistersDorothy, mary-Jane, Louisa, Madeleine,Gladys,Eileen and Marilyn.

He attended residential school and later studied at the University of Manitoba.

He began a long career in public service when he was elected Chief of his community at the young age of 29.

In 1981, he was elected as Member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly for Rupertsland, an office he held for 11 years. He was the first elected First Nations person to serve as MLA. In 1996, he was appointed to the Manitoba cabinet as Minister Without Portfolio for Native Affairs, and in 1997, as Minister of Northern Affairs.

He was best known for his historic role in blocking the Meech Lake Accord. Many Canadians will remember the humble, yet, iconic figure, seated in the House of Assembly raising his ever-present eagle feather, refusing unanimous consent of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. As result, he was recognized as Newsmaker of the Year by the Canadian Press in 1990.

In 1993, Elijah was elected as Member of Parliament for the riding of Churchill. In January 1998, he served a term as Commissioner for the Indian Claims Commission.

Red Sucker Lake First Nation bestowed on him the title of Honourary Chief for Life for his heroic work. He is also the recipient of the Commemorative Medal of Canada, the Stanley Knowles Humanitarian Award, a National Aboriginal Achievement Award, the Order of Merit from St. Paul’s University, the Order of the Sash from the Manitoba Métis Federation, and the Gold Eagle Award from the Indigenous Women’s Collective in Manitoba. He is also a member of the Order of Manitoba. In recognition for his distinguished leadership in Canada’s Aboriginal community, he was also awarded an Honourary Doctorate of Laws from Carleton University and an Honourary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Winnipeg.

 

you are a walking encyclopedia

 

The signature does look like a "K" to me.

The backs also say the same things, but not in the same way.

 

Here is an interesting "Short History of Navajo Sandpaintings" -

https://camerontradingpost.com/a-short-history-of-navajo-sand-paintings.html