THE HERO’S JOURNEY: FROM NAVAJO SANDPAINTING CEREMONIES TO TIBETAN THANGKAS

The Navajo use Sandpainting in their culture to heal their sickness through ceremonial rituals.  The Medicine Man plays a big part in this.  The ceremonies can last for days. The Sandpainting is created, the sick will sit upon it for healing, and then the Sandpainting is destroyed.  Michele pointed out that Navajo have a colorful and descriptive language.  For example, they describe a soldier as “He who goes to war.”

The Tibetan people (Chinese side), also use Sandpainting in their culture, however, they are more specific in their Sandpainting.  They measure, make calculations, and use funnels to create their paintings.  The Buddhist Monks are like the Navajo Medicine Men in their responsibilities.  The Tibetan people also create an incredibly beautiful tapestry type of artwork that is called the Thankgas.  They can be rolled up for easy transport and is used to teach the scriptures to their people.

Michele Schofield