Article
A component in most Navajo sandpaintings, the Encircling Guardian can be a creature, object, lightning, arrow, rainbow, or animal that encircles the edges of the painting and leaves an opening to the east. In the Navajo tradition, the east, the direction of the rising sun, is sacred. The Encircling Guardian protects the opening, through which the healing energies enter the ceremony.
"Third Day Mountain Chant, circa 1965," photograph, (1990.01.1774). Hubbard Museum of the American West, Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico. All rights reserved. Use with permission only.
Manuscripts
References
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1991 Navajo Ceremonial Sandpaintings: Sacred, Living Entities. American Indian Art
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Hirschfelder, Arlene, and Paulette Molin
2000 Sandpainting. Encyclopedia of Native American Religions, Updated Edition. New
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Reichard, Gladys Amanda
1977 Navajo Medicine Man : Sandpaintings. New York: Dover Publications.