Native American Sand Paintings

Shop Native American Sand Paintings Online

Looking for beautiful Native American sand paintings or other art to honor your heritage? At Cameron Trading Post, we’ve been selling authentic Native American art since we first began in 1916. With a commitment to genuine art, we focus on selling sell Navajo sand paintings depicting religious or traditional imagery. The prices of our Navajo sand paintings reflect the genuine art from an actual Native American artist. If you have questions about our sand paintings, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Cameron Trading Post today!

A Brief History of Navajo Sand Paintings

The first Navajo handmade Navajo painting successfully made permanent on a board for sale was created in the 1950’s by a medicine man named Fred Stevens. The idea was suggested to him by Rex Bollin, a trader at Box Canyon, Arizona and the process used to adhere the sand to the board was developed in collaboration with Mr. Stevens, Mr. Bollin, and Arizona artist George DeVille who had been using sand as a painting medium for several years.

The result was so successful many other Navajo artists began to follow suit. Today, Navajo sand painting using the medium of sand in colors ground from a variety of local rock and stone, is artfully manipulated into extremely detailed and beautiful paintings depicting Navajo deities as well as still life subjects.

Sand Painting FAQs

Which Native American tribes make sand paintings?

Sand paintings, sometimes called “dry paintings,” are predominantly associated with the Native American tribes of the Southwestern United States, especially the Navajo. These artworks are created for ritualistic and healing purposes. In addition to the Navajo, the Pueblo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes craft this art. The artistry, patterns, and colors vary from tribe to tribe, each carrying distinct cultural stories, traditions, and purposes. While the Navajo might be the most recognized for their sand paintings, each tribe provides nuance to the practice of crafting sand paint art.

What are the origins of Navajo sand paintings?

Navajo sand paintings began when the Holy People generations ago passed them on to artists as a way to invoke the power of the deities to restore balance and harmony. Ceremonial Navajo sand paintings depict images from religious events. The medicine man in the community would pass on the knowledge the sand paintings used in each chant to an apprentice – reproducing parts of the sacred images on cloth or hide as memory aids and teaching tools. A medicine man, known as Hosteen Klah, is credited with being the first to craft sand painting images as art.

What are some spiritual meanings of Native American sand paintings?

The symbols and patterns crafted in Native American sand paintings often represent elements from tribal myths, legends, and cosmologies. Common imagery includes thunderbirds, sacred mountains, deities, animals, and elements like water and air. These symbols often carry dual meanings: a literal representation and a spiritual or metaphysical one. For example, a depiction of a thunderbird might symbolize not just the bird itself but also the divine power and the spirit of rain and thunder. In essence, sand paintings are not just art; they are sacred narratives in colored sand, capturing the spirit and essence of Native American beliefs and traditions. More about Navajo sand paintings here.

Contact Cameron Trading Post

Need help with your sand painting order? Let the staff at Cameron Trading Post help you! Simply give us a call or contact us here. Cameron Trading Post enjoys the process of matching our authentic sand painting art with the right recipient! Gift a sand painting for your loved one, or invest in a wall decoration that you can enjoy for many years to come.