Yei is a shortened version of YeiBeiChei, a holy figure in the Navajo culture.

The yei figure symbolizes healing powers.

Appearing as Petroglyphs (Rock Art) in North America, Yei figures are often use in healing sand paintings and woven into rugs. There are male and female yei figures. Female yei have square heads and male yei are depicted with round heads.

The figures can be found depicted standing upright, curved, angled and in a three-sided square, like the sterling silver Navajo pendant shown at right.