sand painting

noun

1. the ceremonial practice among Navaho and Pueblo Indians of creating symbolic designs on a flat surface with varicolored sand.

2. the designs so made.

sand painting

noun

1. a type of painting done by American Indians, esp in the healing ceremonies of the Navaho, using fine coloured sand on a neutral ground

Word History and Origins

Origin of sand painting¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900