Yei
Night Sky Yei be Chei Pictorial Navajo Weaving : Berlinda Nez Barber : Churro 227 : 48" x 105" (4' x 8'9")
- Style
- Yei
- Weaver
- Berlinda Nez Barber
- Size
- 48" x 105"
- Item number
- Churro 227
About this weaving
Behold a masterwork from acclaimed weaver Berlinda Nez Barber—a stunning Night Sky Yei be Chei pictorial that captures celestial wonder through traditional Navajo artistry. Featuring luminous Yei figures dancing across a deep night sky, complete with stars, constellations, and moon imagery, this piece is framed by an intricate Teec Nos Pos border. Handcrafted from custom-spun, hand-dyed Churro wool with exceptional tightness and precision, this monumental weaving represents 18 months of dedicated loom work. At 4' x 8'9", it's a transformative statement piece for any space, showcasing the skill and vision of one of today's most celebrated contemporary weavers.
The Navajo way of life is based on an oral tradition in which stories, lessons and values are passed down from generation to generation. The Creation story of the Navajo Emergence as “The People or Dine” is as sacred as the Bible to the Navajo. One theme reoccurs often and in almost all writings, that is central to the Navajo, attainment and maintenance of harmony and beauty, called Hozho. To create Hozho ceremonies are preformed.
The Yei Be Chei dancers are the human impersonators of holy people which perform the ceremonies. The Yei Be Chei weavings present the dancers as they dance, perform, and enact the ceremony of the Yeis. The Yeis perform specific dances and rituals, as directed by the Medicine Man, during the ceremony for the desired end.
Yei be Chei weavings are highly individual, therefore, different elements may be found in them. Male Yeis have round heads and Female Yeis have square heads. Other elements included may be: gourds, ruffs of spruce around the neck, fox pelts, moccasins, woven garters or sashes, arrows, corn, clouds, stars, and more.
Berlinda is from the famous and talented Nez Family. Her mother Grace, 7 sisters and niece are all award winning and highly respected Master Weavers. Several of her weavings have been on exhibit at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg, AZ.
This weaving is featured in our Master Weavings of the Navajo Churro Collection Exhibit at Nizhoni Ranch Gallery, March 2019 and the "Master Weavings of the Navajo Churro Collection" catalog, page 18.
This weaving was part of the 2016 /2017 Painting with Wool : Navajo Pictorial Weavings exhibit at Nizhoni Ranch Gallery and is on the cover and page 7 of the catalog for the show.
On exhibit at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg Arizona, "One Traders Legacy: Steve Getzwiller Collects the West", 2017 - 2020.
This weaving has been tucked away in the Getzwiller personal collection, as many of the Nez pieces have, since it was finished in 2000. Berlinda started this weaving July 1998 and finished Jan 2000 : 1 1/2 years on the loom. It is woven so tightly, it is difficult to even run a needle through it.
| Style | Teec Nos Pos Yei be Chei Pictorial |
| Weaver | Berlinda Nez Barber - Meet the Weaver |
| Date | 2000 |
| Size | 48" x 105" (4' x 8'9") |
| Item # | Churro 227 |
| Awards: | |
| Learn more about the Yei Design Style | |
| Learn about the Navajo Churro Collection | |
Contact us for more information at info@navajorug.com or 520-455-5020 -- We will be glad to help you!
Nizhoni Ranch Gallery donates a portion of each sale to the Forever Navajo Foundation. Forever Navajo's primary purpose is to preserve the fine art of Navajo weaving.
Shipping and viewing
Fully insured shipping, or see it in person at the gallery in Sonoita by appointment. Call 520-455-5020.
Learn about Navajo weaving
New to Navajo weaving? The gallery's journal explains the regional styles, Churro wool, and how to care for and hang a rug. Read the articles or watch the videos.
