Yei II Counted Cross Stitch Kit: Rugs of the Southwest Series

The “Yei” (pronounced “yea”) is a stylized Navajo diety which came from sandpainting designs of religious healing ceremonies.

When used in a rug context, however, the Yei is symbolic and has no specific religious meaning. Will Evans, the trader at Shiprock (a town in the northwest corner of New Mexico on the San Juan River) from 1912–1948, is credited with the development of the style.

The rug has slender, front-facing figures often surrounded by a border-like element, the Rainbow Goddess (a guardian to protect the contents of the space). Often incorporated are cornstalks (one of the 4 sacred plants of the Navajo in addition to squash, tobacco, and beans), arrows, and feathers.

The Yei rug is different from the Yeibeichi style which characterizes side views of a line of dancers.

Bright colors are often used and the rug lends itself as a wall hanging.