Painting with Sand (A Navajo Ceremony) – American Indian Film Gathering

Film Details

Title: Painting with Sand (A Navajo Ceremony)
Year: 1949
Duration: 0:10:19
Director: Sullivan C. Richardson (unconfirmed)
Writer: unknown
Producer: Viking Pictures Corporation
Narrator: Sullivan C. Richardson
Sponsor: Encyclopedia Brittanica
Audible: Good quality Navajo song; Good quality English narration
Establishing Shot: Extreme long shot of the landscape the Navajos live in. In the background a group of mountains can be seen. In the middle ground a man can be seen on horseback on top of a sandy mount. A rider can be seen on screen right, and on screen left a closer mountain can be seen. Clouds can be seen in the sky.
Major Themes: The cultural significance of sandpaintings
Individuals Named: No named individuals
Native Languages Spoken: Yes, Navajo is sung during the opening credits and end credits.
Noteworthy Elements: Detailed description of sandpainting techniques and what each color of sand and figure represents.
Other: Written in collaboration with Clyde Kluckhorn, Ph.D., Harvard University.

Peoples: Navajo

Languages: Navajo