This is a vibrantly colored original one-of-a-kind painting titled "Red Sided Yei (Messenger)" by the famous Navajo painter Harrison Begay (1917-2012); it is subtitled "Nightway Chant Spirit from the Canyon" on the back. The artist added a handwritten description where he explains that this figure "first appears on the evening of the big Yei Bi Chei Dance (to) bring the word that the dancers are coming. The Yei is shown dancing with arms aloft & rattles in his hands, beneath a rainbow flanked by rainclouds. It is finely executed in a crisp, linear fashion using acrylic paints on a textured blue grey matte board in his distinctive illustrated style; the figure appears two dimensional & includes many details to the costume.

This is signed Harrison Begay on the right & on the left with his Navajo name, Haskay Yahne Yah, which means "warrior who walked up to his enemy." He began signing his traditional name & using matte board in the 1960's, so we know it was made after 1960. The artwork window measures 14.5" H x 10.75" W. It is matted & the glass has been removed. The frame itself measures 22.75" H x 18.75" W. It is made out of some sort of acrylic that looks like molded wood. You will need to get a new piece of glass, as I didnt want it to breakin transit and damage the artwork. This is an opportunity to add an important work by this artist to your collection! 

Excellent Condition! There are a few errant marks as made, not really a detraction, as shown. 

Note: Harrison Begay was an incredibly successful artist during his lifetime & created a huge body of work. He studied at the Santa Fe Indian School & won many awards and accolades during his lifetime, including the prestigious Palmes Academiques in1954 from the French government. His work is included in most every large collection of native American art in the country.