Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0370-1233   CAS 0370-1233; Sandpainting
Category Visual Arts
Object Name Sandpainting
Culture Navajo
Global Region North America
Country USA
State/Prov./Dist. Arizona
County Apache
Other Geographic Data Navajo Indian Reservation; Community: Rough Rock
Maker's Name Fred Stevens (Grey Squirrel) (1922-1983)
Date of Manufacture 1960
Collection Name Elkus Collection (Native American)
Materials Sand; Glue; Plywood
Description Sandpainting entitled "The Four Direction Frogs" depicting four frogs facing a central circle (lake); Each frog is colored a sacred color corresponding to a cardinal direction; Four sacred plants (corn, beans, squash, and tobacco) also grow out of central circle; Artist's signature, date, and lengthy explanation of painting are hand written in ink on reverse.
Dimensions (cm) Width = 41.8, Length = 40.4