Yei Cards

These unique cards are hand painted by artist Amber L. DuBoise-Shepherd (Navajo, Sac & Fox, and Prairie Band Potawatomi). A matching envelope is also included. The card is packaged in a clear, cellophane sleeve for protection.

These cards depict the Yei, who are spirit deities of the Navajo (Diné) people. Yei Be Chei dancers are the human impersonators who perform the ceremonies comprised of specific dances and rituals. During the ceremony, a team will be composed of fourteen dancers: the leader Yeibichai - the Talking God, six male dancers, six women dancers, and finally, the Rainbow Yei called the Water Sprinkler or the God of Precipitated Waters.

The Yeibichai are highly individual, therefore, different elements may be found in them. Male Yeis have round heads and Female Yeis have square heads.

A rainbow yei, is considered an aspect of the rain-god Water Sprinkler, and is drawn around every sandpainting; his body curls around the south, west, and north sides to protect the painting from outside influences, and to protect the user from the power of the god depicted in the painting. He does not need to cover the east, because no evil can come from the east in Navajo thought.