Manuel Ben Navajo Painted Sandstone — Kokopelli, Pueblo, Canyon de Chelly

A large natural split-face sandstone slab painted with petroglyph-inspired imagery by Navajo artist Manuel Ben of Canyon de Chelly. The composition covers the full face of the slab and incorporates a prominent Kokopelli figure, multi-story pueblo structures in detailed brick patterning, a hand-with-spiral motif, birds, human figures, zigzag water symbols, concentric square glyphs, and a descending progression of circles suggestive of lunar phases, with polychrome dot accents in blue, yellow, and orange. The natural tan-gray stone reads as the ground tone throughout, fully integrated into the design. The reverse bears the artist's signature "M. Ben" with a Kokopelli remarque — consistent with Ben's known signing convention.

Manuel Ben is a Navajo artist from the Canyon de Chelly region whose painted sandstone work continues the tradition of petroglyph-inspired painting practiced by Navajo artists at Canyon de Chelly.

CONDITION

Excellent. Paint adhesion is strong across the full surface with vivid color and no lifting, flaking, or loss observed. No remarkable damage.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Height: 21"
• Width: 7"
• Depth: 5/8"
• Medium: Paint on original natural sandstone slab
• Signature: "M. Ben" with Kokopelli remarque, verso
• Artist: Manuel Ben, Navajo, Canyon de Chelly