Diyin (Holy) Christ of the Dine (Navajo)

Diyin (Holy) Christ of the Dine (Navajo)

Integrating Christian & Navajo spirituality

Integrating Christian & Navajo spirituality

LOCATION

Diocesan Office, Farmington NM

YEAR

2024

CLIENT

Episcopal Diocese of Navajoland

This painting integrates the spiritual traditions of the Navajo people with classical Christian theology. Christ stands as the eternal dawn and extends his hands in welcome, blessing, and healing. The wounds of Crucifixion visible on his hands and feet are a reminder of the suffering, and also the resilience, of the Dine (Navajo.)

Christ wears traditional Navajo dress: white trousers, velvet shirt, and silver and turquoise belt and necklace, with his hair pulled back into the Navajo bun. Behind him are two structures of vital spiritual importance to the People: the ritual hogan and the sheep fold. The red rock of Utah on the left and the brown cliffs of New Mexico on the right embody the ancestral homelands. The frame depicts the four sacred mountains as well as plants, animals, and objects sacred to the Navajo.

The painting hangs in the Gathering Room, a space in the Hozho Center for Healing that is set aside for intimate meetings such as small discussion groups, AA meetings, and gatherings to tell the traditional Winter Stories. Participants discuss Christ of the Diné as part of their path toward healing.

Fine art reproductions in four different sizes are available. All proceeds from sales support the ministries of the Diocese. See margaretadamsparker.com REPRODUCTIONS for details.

"Resolved, that the 24th annual Dine bikeyah (Navajoland) Convocation expresses their deep and heartfelt appreciation (ahehee ntsaago) for the artist's talent, humility and generosity, and for the offering of an invaluable piece of art. The painting reflects the people's relationship with Jesus, to all peoples, and to all of God's creation by the ministry of hozhoji bikek ehgoo - the beautiful harmonious way - as a symbol of reconciliation and healing toward wholeness in Jesus Christ."

Episcopal Diocese of Navajoland

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jordyn Raia for Old Town Editions