Offered in this lot is an Original Sand Painting titled, "Navajo Wedding Basket & Vase", by Navajo artist R. Haley. Information note attached to rear back paper says, Navajo Wedding Basket & Vase Sands are all natural colored rocks (ground) R. Haley Box 1508 Sheep Springs, NM A part of the Navajo nation, Sheep Springs is known for having many residents who are sand painting and rug weaving artists. The Navajo word for sandpaintings means "place where the gods come and go." The sandpainting has been used for centuries in religious rituals, including healing ceremonies performed by Navajo medicine men. A sandpainting for a ceremony is made on the ground in the ceremonial hogan and destroyed at the end of the ritual. In order to preserve this long-standing tradition, in the late 1940's Navajos began to create permanent sandpaintings, changing the design slightly to protect the religious significance when these paintings were shown publicly. Pictorial sandpaintings which reflect the Navajo environment and lifestyle are also made. Today sandpaintings are made by slowly trickling sand through the hand onto epoxy-covered particle boards, using sand made from naturally colored crushed rock, stone, and minerals for the different shades and colors. The sandpainting is intended to be hung within a frame or by attaching picture hangers to the back of the board. This original sand painting is in fair to good overall condition, moisture staining noted. Wood frame and backing board are in good coverall condition, frame edges exhibit scuffing, rear backing paper is torn. No other obvious marring noted. Art measures 16"W x 16"L, frame is 20.75"W x 20.75"L