Economic Aspects Of Navajo Sandpaintings

Abstract

Permanent sandpaintings, pictures of pulverized colored sands glued onto particle board, are made by the Navajo Indians of the American Southwest, specifically for sale to non-native consumers. This art form has experienced a widespread growth since 1958. By 1965 its production had become an important source of income for at least one community,Sheep Springs, New Mexico, as well as for many other individuals both on and off the reservation. Today almost 500 makers can be identified and while the industry is not yet comparable in size to weaving or silversmithing it is by no means negligible. Why has the spread of this craft-art been so rapid and widespread? The following· paper wil1 begin to analyze some of the reasons for the craft's success.