What is the Kokopelli meaning?
Let’s consider… Kokopelli meaning originates from Pueblo Indians. That sounds simple, but because this being spans across a vast area, it also bleeds into other tribal myths. So the Kokopelli raises its spiky head in many other tribes such as: Anasazi, Hopi, Zuni, and more.
Why is Kokopelli important to the Hopi culture?
Among the Hopi, Kokopelli carries unborn children on his back and distributes them to women; for this reason, young girls often fear him. He often takes part in rituals relating to marriage, and Kokopelli himself is sometimes depicted with a consort, a woman called Kokopelmimi by the Hopi.
Is Kokopelli a good luck symbol?
This association strengthens Kokopelli as a good luck symbol. Though there is a lot to admire in the symbol of Kokopelli, there is a sinister side to the icon. Kokopelli can be seen to be a bit of a joker and a swindler, and some native Indians perceive him to be a trickster god.
What is a Kokopelli?
Kokopelli. For other uses, see Kokopelli (disambiguation). Kokopelli ( / ˌkoʊkoʊˈpɛliː /) is a fertility deity, usually depicted as a humpbacked flute player (often with feathers or antenna -like protrusions on his head), who is venerated by some Native American cultures in the Southwestern United States.
Why is Kokopelli called Kokopelli?
Because the Hopi were the tribe from whom the Spanish explorers first learned of the god, their name is the one most commonly used. Kokopelli is one of the most easily recognized figures found in the petroglyphs and pictographs of the Southwest. The earliest known petroglyph of the figure dates to about 1000 AD.
What does Kokopelli carry on his back?
Some tribes say he carries seeds and babies on his back. In recent years, the emasculated (i.e. non-ithyphallic) version of Kokopelli has been adopted as a broader symbol of the Southwestern United States as a whole. His image adorns countless items such as T-shirts, ball caps, key-chains, and patio decor.
What animal is Kokopelli on the moon?
It is said that Kokopelli can be seen on the full and waning moon, much like the " man " or the " rabbit " on the moon.". Kokopelli also presides over the reproduction of game animals, and for this reason, he is often depicted with animal companions such as rams and deer.
Why was Kokopelli important?
Often accompanied by an apprentice in his travels and trade, Kokopelli was important in linking distant and diverse communities together.
What is Kokopelli's flute playing?
In his domain over agriculture, Kokopelli's flute-playing chases away the winter and brings about spring. Many tribes, such as the Zuni, also associate Kokopelli with the rains. He frequently appears with Paiyatamu, another flutist, in depictions of maize -grinding ceremonies.
Where is Kokopelli in the Rio Grande style?
Petroglyph of Kokopelli in the "Rio Grande Style" of the ancestral Pueblo culture after the year 1300 AD; taken at Mortendad Cave near Los Alamos, NM. Kokopelli has been revered since at least the time of the Hohokam, Yuman, and Ancestral Puebloan peoples.
What is the significance of Kokopelli?
In other accounts, the Kokopelli symbol was a significant feature of wisdom, poetry, music, and creative freedom. It’s as if Kokopelli was a Native American muse…enticing the artists within the tribe to create their greatest symphonies and soliloquy. Kokopelli Meaning and Kokopelli Symbol. It is also noted in Native lore ...
What does the name Kokopelli mean?
Loosely, the name Kokopelli meaning translates to “ the hunched one ” or “ wooden backed ”. The confusion of his name rests in the combination of various Native languages and interpretations. Kokopelli Meaning and Kokopelli Symbol.
What was the Native Kokopelli?
In essence, the true Native Kokopelli was a fertility god that insured babies would be born. I’m not just talking about human babies (although that seems to be the main theme). I’m also talking about plant babies.
What is Kokopelli's etching?
In all of these areas, Kokopelli shows himself on etchings and carvings. He started out as an inky image on stones. Once discovered by modern man, the Kokopelli ignited the human imagination. So much so, that today – this fellow is embroidered on socks, carved in marble, and hammered out in wrought iron.
Where is the Kokopelli symbol?
The Kokopelli symbol is perhaps one of the most recognizable Native American icons. This funky little guy hails from the four corners of the Southwest U.S., so we’re talking about an area that spans across New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado.
Where did the word "kokopelli" come from?
Let’s consider…. Kokopelli meaning originates from Pueblo Indians. That sounds simple, but because this being spans across a vast area, it also bleeds into other tribal myths. So the Kokopelli raises its spiky head in many other tribes such as: Anasazi, Hopi, Zuni, and more.
What crops did Kokopelli grow?
I’m also talking about plant babies. Beans, squash, corn…these were prime crops required by Native folk in the U.S. Southwest area, and Kokopelli was considered a blessing upon these crops. That in itself makes Kokopelli pretty freaking powerful. Consider: If you ain’t got no beans, then you ain’t got no means to live.
Kokopelli Symbolism and Meaning
Kokopelli is an interesting Native American symbol. This symbol features a hunchback who plays a flute. At times, he is depicted as carrying a sack in his back. Images of the Kokopelli symbols were first discovered on Hohokam pottery over one thousand years ago.
Understanding The Kokopelli
The Kokopelli deity holds great significance in the lives of Native Americans situated in the Southwestern region of the United States. This symbol signifies happiness and joy, fertility, good luck and celebrations.
Symbolic Meaning of The Kokopelli
Some Indian tribes view the Kokopelli as a god of fertility. It is associated with childbirth and the production of crops. Legend has it that the sack Kokopelli carries on his back contains seeds that he plants. These seeds bring about bountiful harvests that make people happy.
The Negative Side of This Symbol
Some Indians view the Kokopelli as a Trickster god due to its funny and jovial nature. Some Indian tribes see this deity as a joker and swindler.
Modern Understanding of the Kokopelli
The hippies have taken over the Kokopelli, and they have changed it to be a colorful musician with dreadlocks, leaning over his instrument. He is not longer a hunchback with a flute in his hand or a sack on good on his back.
What is the meaning of Kokopelli?
Who is Kokopelli and What is the Meaning of the Kokopelli Symbol? Kokopelli (koh-koh-pell-ee) is a deity and symbol of fertility recognized by several Native American groups in the Southwestern part of the country. Like other fertility gods, Kokopelli is known to preside over both agriculture and childbirth.
What is Kokopelli's appearance?
Appearance. Kokopelli’s appearance varies as widely as the legends and myths that surround him. He is typically depicted as a flute player with a prominent humpback. As a fertility god, he is also sometimes shown to have a huge, erect phallus.
What is the meaning of Kokopelli's humpback?
Kokopelli’s Humpback And the Many Myths That Surround It. It is believed that Kokopelli’s humpback may have been a sack slung over his back. There are also different stories as to what the sack contained. In some tales, the sack is believed to contain goods, representing trade.
What is Kokopelli in Hopi?
Kokopelli is considered as one of the most popular and intriguing images and deities that survived from the ancient Anasazi Indian mythology. Kokopelli is also a prominent character in Hopi legends. As the trickster god, he is represented as the Minstrel, which essentially means the spirit of music. Meanwhile, as a symbol of fertility, he is ...
What Native American tribes worship Kokopelli?
Some Southwestern Native American tribes still worship Kokopelli until today. According to experts, among the first visual evidence relating to the worship and recognition of Kokopelli are the figures in Hohokam pottery. These vessels were specifically created for cooking, food storage, and performing rituals.
What was the purpose of Kokopelli's sack?
Meanwhile, some legends state that Kokopelli’s sack contained gifts. Hopi myths, on the other hand, described the sack to contain babies that he gave to young women. According to legends from the Pueblo village San Ildefonso, Kokopelli’s sack contained his songs, which he traded for new songs as he travelled.
Where did Kokopelli originate?
Kokopelli depictions are thought to have originated from prehistoric Americans. Later on, the legends and myths developed, evolving across different Native American groups. Dennis Slifer, an anthropologist, once pointed out that Kokopelli may not have originated from just one tale.
What is the power of the Kokopelli?
The power of the Kokopelli is thought to be immense by believers; so much so that shy young women would avoid the symbol for the implications of ensuing childbirth. Many Pueblos depicted the Kokopelli as visiting villages and depositing newborns.
What is the Kokopelli spirit?
The Kokopelli spirit is thought to have control over fertilityboth human and agricultural. Although the modern icon has been emasculated and commercialized, for the most part, throughout its history it has included a phallus as a symbol of its powerful fertility.
What is Kokopelli's tattoo?
He is a simplistic, stick figure style character with a hunched back. He has several long antennae coming out of his head in a kind of mo-hawk shape.
Why do women fear Kokopelli?
There are some young women who fear Kokopelli, however, because he does carry unborn children (like seeds, but human!) on his back. If a young girl wasn’t careful with all this partying and sexual expression, she may be surprised with one of these Kokopelli babies.
Why is there a ram in Kokopelli?
Ram: Sometimes there is a ram’s head nearby in a Kokopelli tattoo because of his association with game animals. Rams specifically are symbols of increase- so they are compatible with the fertility theme. Turtle: Because of his hunched back, Kokopelli is sometimes depicted as a turtle, who represents water.
Why are Pueblo people called Pueblo people?
In fact, the reason these tribes are known as “Pueblo Peoples” is that they called a grouping of these adobe homes a “pueblo,” referring to the village.
Is Kokopelli part of Pueblo?
Kokopelli is part of this landscape. Interestingly enough, after years of the Pueblo Peoples having to protect these traditions from being erased, now there are many settlers who want to claim these traditions for themselves!
Is Kokopelli a trickster?
Word of Warning. Kokopelli is a trickster character! So to invite him into your life with a tattoo can invite a certain amount of unpredictability and chaos- especially if you don’t have the proper respect for him or the Pueblo Peoples.
The Darker Side of Kokopelli
- Though there is a lot to admire in the symbol of Kokopelli, there is a sinister side to the icon. Kokopelli can be seen to be a bit of a joker and a swindler, and some native Indians perceive him to be a trickster god. Sometimes crops fail. Sometimes couples fail to have children no matter h…
Contemporary View of Kokopelli
- As we have seen, Kokopelli has taken on many meanings and interpretations. In the 20th century, Kokopelli was given a new image and meaning by those within the hippie culture. Nowadays, Kokopelli has a cooler image with dreadlocked hair. He appears as a musician leaning over his instrument, rather than a man carrying a load on his back. Kokopelli can now be found gracing cl…
Rounding Up The Kokopelli Symbol
- Even amongst the traditional Indian tribes that recorded Kokopelli’s image on stone, in caves and on pottery, had various opinions about what he symbolized. Blessed crops, fertile females, and a successful future were standard interpretations of Kokopelli. Yet a darker side of him as a divine trickster can be seen to indicate that life isn’t smooth sailing. Contemporary culture had seen a r…
Overview
Kokopelli is a fertility deity, usually depicted as a humpbacked flute player (often with feathers or antenna-like protrusions on his head), who is venerated by some Native American cultures in the Southwestern United States. Like most fertility deities, Kokopelli presides over both childbirth and agriculture. He is also a trickster god and master braider and represents the spirit of music.
Origins and development
Kokopelli has been revered since at least the time of the Hohokam, Yuman, and Ancestral Puebloan peoples. The first known images of him appear on Hohokam pottery dated to sometime between 750 and 850 AD.
Kokopelli may have originally been a representation of Aztec traders, known as pochtecas, who may have traveled to this region from northern Mesoamerica. …
Myths
Among the Hopi, Kokopelli carries unborn children on his back and distributes them to women; for this reason, young girls often fear him. He often takes part in rituals relating to marriage, and Kokopelli himself is sometimes depicted with a consort, a woman called Kokopelmimi by the Hopi. It is said that Kokopelli can be seen on the full and waning moon, much like the "man" or the "rabbit" on th…
Other names
• Kokopele
• Kokopilli
• Kokopilau
• Neopkwai'i (Pueblo)
• Ololowishkya (Zuni)
See also
• Anasazi flute
• Cañon Pintado
• Rock art
• Blythe Intaglios
Further reading
• Malotki, Ekkehart. Kokopelli: The Making of an Icon. (Univ. of Nebraska Pr., 2000). ISBN 0-8032-3213-6 (hardcover), ISBN 0-8032-8295-8 (paper).
• Martineau, LaVan, The Rocks Begin to Speak, KC Publications, Las Vegas, Nevada, 2003
• McLeod, David My Hand Tatoo, American Educator, (Jan-Feb, 1992): Right Hand
External links
• Media related to Kokopelli at Wikimedia Commons