Sand drawing Explained

Sand drawing is a ni-Vanuatu tradition made in volcanic ash or clay. UNESCO recognized this practice as intangible heritage.

The artist uses a single finger to trace one continuous meandering line. The result is a graceful composition of geometric patterns.

These drawings serve members of some 80 different language groups across central and northern Vanuatu. That’s a lot of small talk.

Sandroings record rituals, kinship systems, farming techniques and choreographic patterns. Most possess several functions and layers of meaning.

Researchers study the precise geometry to find ethno-mathematical patterns. Ancient Greek mathematicians studied geometry by drawing in sand.

Sand drawing uses natural ground materials to form images.

Navajo Medicine Men create colored sand paintings for healing ceremonies. During the 9 day Yebatchai ceremony, 3 to 4 may be created and destroyed.