Offered in this lot is an Original Nizhonie Fabrics Navajo Yei / Yeibichai Hand-Printed Linen by Bahah-Zhonie, circa 1970s. The linen displays a wonderfully and professionally crafted linen fabric with eleven (11) Yei figures in colours of blue, black, green and red. The primary difference between a Yei and a Yeibichai is that a Yei is a Holy Person (deity or spiritual entity) in Navajo tradition, while a Yeibichai is a human dancer who impersonates a Yei during a sacred healing ceremony. Yeibichai (Yé'ii bicheii) refers to the supernatural Holy People in Navajo (Diné) culture, specifically meaning "grandfather of the gods" or "maternal grandfather of the Yé'ii". It is also the name commonly given to the final night of the Nightway ceremony (Night Chant), a deeply sacred nine-day winter healing ritual where human dancers impersonate these deities to restore cosmic harmony and balance. The ceremony acts as a literal "portal" where holy beings walk alongside the Diné people to cure ailments, specifically those related to sight and physical paralysis. The imagery of the dancers is globally recognized through Navajo textile art. In Navajo imagery, these two concepts are represented with distinct, identifiable visual characteristics: rigid, and strictly front-facing, female Yeis are depicted with square or rectangular heads, while male Yeis have round heads. The linen is in well preserved condition, colours are vibrant. Staining observed. Measures 55"W x 116"L, weight is 1lb.