Sun and Eagle

Sandpaintings were developed by the Navajo Indians many centuries ago, and are made of ground stone.  They are used by the Medicine Men in various types of ceremonies.  This sandpainting is frequently used to invoke the lofty spirit of the Eagle in the healing of a sick child.  The Eagle feathers, in groups of four, represent the Four Ages of Man, the Four Directions, the Four Seasons, and the Four Elements.  Each feather is a song, and together they form a chant.  The center Sun is symbolic of the lifegiving power of its light.

There is a Babbitts price tag on the back of the sandpainting.  The Babbitt Brothers Trading Company was incorporated in 1918 and was a predominant department store in Arizona through the early 20th century.  The doors finally closed in 2002.  This price tag is a remnant of that history.

The sandpainting is slightly loose in the frame, likely due to its being retrieved from the wall to read the story on the back when sharing with visitors.