5. What role did sand paintings play in Navajo religious practices? (1 point)
O a. They served as decoration
Ob. They were used for trade
O c. They helped cure the sick
Od. They were used for storytelling
C. They helped cure the sick
The role of sand paintings in Navajo religious practices was to help cure the sick. (c)
To determine the correct answer, we can look into Navajo religious practices and the significance of sand paintings. Navajo sand paintings are an important part of their religious traditions and ceremonies. They are rich in symbolism and are created by pouring different colored sand onto the ground or a specially prepared surface. The Navajo believe that these paintings have healing powers and are used in ceremonies to restore balance and harmony within the individual and the community.
Option (c) states that sand paintings helped cure the sick. This is the correct answer because, in Navajo religious practices, sand paintings are indeed used for healing purposes. Navajo healers, also known as medicine men or women, create these intricate sand paintings as a spiritual tool to help diagnose and treat illness. The colors and symbols used in the sand paintings represent various spiritual elements and their order and placement are believed to have specific healing properties.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
O c. They helped cure the sick