What symbols did the Navajo use?
When the Navajo bird is present, anxiety dwindles, making way for quietude and wise passivity.Horse. One of the oldest Navajo symbols is the horse. ... Humans. A human is one of the more straightforward Navajo symbols. ... Lightning. Lightning is a representation of speed and agility. ... Thunderbird. ... Sun. ... Kokopelli. ... Bear.
Why do we have Navajo symbols and what do they mean?
Symbols and their meanings The Native way is mainly a holistic way of life. Navajo's symbols or other Native American symbols for that matter are often used to represent inclusion, totality, and a broad picture of organic life.
What do Navajo patterns mean?
However, each textile individual and has personal or cultural symbolic meaning. Common symbols include crosses for Spider Woman, triangles or diamonds for mountains and the Navajo homeland, zigzags for lightning, Yei spirits, and a spirit line to release spiritual energy from bordered rugs.
What is a Yei figure?
Yei is a shortened version of *YeiBiChi, a holy figure in the Navajo culture. Yeis are the supernatural beings that allow communication between the Navajo people and their Gods. One Navajo artist told me, “They are the keepers of the door to the other world.”
What does a bear claw symbolize?
While the claws represent the bear's strength and courage, the otter hide signifies power over both land and water. Both animals' qualities guided the wearer during warfare, treaty negotiations, and other important events. Good Chief, Chahiksichahiks (Pawnee), ca.
What does an arrowhead symbolize?
Native American Indians are known for their rituals and spiritual beliefs. The Arrowhead symbol appears on most of their artworks and has a deeper meaning for them. It symbolizes bravery, achievements, heroism, spirit guides, and significant event in their life. These days, the arrowhead is also used as a pendant.
What are the Navajo colors?
The four directions are represented by four colors: White Shell represents the east, Turquoise the south, Yellow Abalone the west, and Jet Black the north. The number four permeates traditional Navajo philosophy.
What does the Navajo blanket symbolism?
REPRESENTING THE TEACHINGS OF SPIDER WOMAN Prior to 1900, old Navajo wearing blankets often carried symbols or motifs that were attached to the teachings of Spider Woman. Perhaps the symbol or motif that dominated those early blankets was the cross.
What is a spirit line in a Navajo rug?
The “spirit line” is a small strand of yarn of contrasting color that flows from the inner design element of the weaving to the outer edge. The custom continues today in many contemporary Navajo rugs.
What does Chei mean in Navajo?
The Navajo way of life is based on an oral tradition in which stories, lessons and values are passed down from generation to generation. The Creation story of the Navajo Emergence as “The People or Dine” is as sacred as the Bible to the Navajo.
What does the rainbow represent in Navajo culture?
Folklore tells that the Navajo rainbow is a symbol of protection and the pathway of the Yeis. These healing holy spirits intercede between the Creator and humans and control the sun, moon, wind, and rain. A rainbow yei encircles most traditional sandpaintings to protect the image from evil spirits.
What is a kachina spirit?
A kachina is an ancestral spirit of the Pueblo Indians. There are more than 500 of these spirits, and they act as intermediaries between humans and the gods. Each tribe has its own kachinas, which are believed to reside with a tribe for half of each year.
What does a horse symbolize?
With that said, a horse is symbolic of family as well as the ease with which the Navajo could now travel for hunting and migration. Deer tracks symbolize an abundance of food. If wild game is plentiful, the Navajo use deer tracks to denote an increase in their food supply.
What does the water symbol represent?
At its core, this symbol exemplifies high spirits and good fortune. According to the Navajo, water is closely related to life. More specifically, it epitomizes the ever-changing ways of our existence. Without water, there is no balance, so when this symbol is used, someone is looking to recalibrate their life.
What does Kokopelli mean?
Kokopelli. Kokopelli presides over childbirth and agriculture. Often depicted as a flute player, Kokopelli has an affinity for tricks.
What is the Navajo flag?
Embedded with ancient symbols of protection and references to traditional creation stories, the Navajo Nation flag has served as a proud representation of its people since 1968. Designed by student Jay Degroat, the drawing reflects the sacred art form of sand painting.
What is the meaning of the rainbow in Navajo culture?
Folklore tells that the Navajo rainbow is a symbol of protection and the pathway of the Yeis. These healing holy spirits intercede between the Creator and humans and control the sun, moon, wind and rain. A rainbow yei encircles most traditional sandpaintings to protect the image from evil spirits. Rainbows are also said to restore harmony and balance to a person’s hozho, their connection with the land.
What are the four stones that surround the Navajo homeland?
It is told in the creation story, the Emergence, that First Man placed four stones – jet, white shell, turquoise and abalone – in each direction and then blew on each one four times to create a hogan. This humble, dome-shaped shelter birthed the world.
Who designed the Navajo flag?
In the center of the Navajo flag sits a white circle that incorporates many of the same elements featured in the original 1952 Great Seal that was designed by John Claw Jr. of Many Farms, Arizona.
Where is the Rainbow Bridge located?
These mystical rock formations can be found at sacred sites, including Rainbow Bridge in Utah, and the park near the Navajo Nation Administration Center headquarters in Window Rock, Arizona.
What is Kachina House?
Kachina House is dedicated to preserving the history, cultural traditions and art of Native Americans. Our Arizona store carries a wide selection of pottery, jewelry and other symbolic artifacts. Previous.
What is Navajo jewelry?
1. Jewelry, beads, and other similar pieces are a strong component to Navajo traditions and beliefs. 2. It was believed that the larger and more elaborate a piece of jewelry was, the more the person wearing it was worthy of the respect of those around them. 3.
What does turquoise represent?
11. The color turquoise is designed to represent happiness, good health, and prosperous luck. 12. Black, white, blue, and green are the colors within turquoise stones. These colors are also capable of representing the natural world to the Navajo tribe. 13. The Naja symbol appears frequently in Navajo jewelry.
What are the colors of turquoise?
Black, white, blue, and green are the colors within turquoise stones. These colors are also capable of representing the natural world to the Navajo tribe. 13. The Naja symbol appears frequently in Navajo jewelry. This symbol has origins in Mexican culture, and it is designed to represent ideal fortune in life.
What is the Raven symbol?
It is considered symbolic of transformation, knowledge, and understanding. The tribal holy men called upon the Raven in rituals for clarity in visions.
What does the arrow symbol mean?
Arrow – Here are the different meanings that the arrow symbol can have in native American art. Arrowhead – Alertness. Arrow Pointing Right – Protection. Arrow Pointing Left – Warding of Evil. Sun Symbol (also known as the Zia symbol)- The sun symbol often means “Earth Guardian in Day”, and it can also represent Healing Energy.
What did Native Americans believe about the world?
Native Americans saw the world in a different way than most other peoples, they believed that everything and person possess a spirit , this fact makes Native Americans different from any other tribes or peoples. The use of symbols in Native American tribes differs from one tribe to another. However, we will do our best to show you ...
What does thunderbird symbolize?
A mythical Native American creature that dominates all natural activities, the Thunderbird symbolizes divine dominion, protection, provision, strength, authority, and indomitable spirit. This cross-cultural symbol is found among the Plains Indians as well as the tribes in the Pacific Northwest and Northeast, though its meaning may vary across different groups. Some tribes considered the Thunderbird to be a sign of war and the sound of thunder in the clouds was believed to be a prophecy of victory in tribal wars if ritual dances and ceremonies were performed. Others looked at the Thunderbird as a solar animal that controlled the dawn of day and night by opening and closing its eyes that were made of the Sun.
What does the morning star mean?
Morning Star. Honored as Kachina by most Pueblo tribes, the morning star is a sign of courage and purity of spirit. Clown – The clown symbol symbolizes well being or joyfulness, good times & it can also symbolize the harvest. The most popular clown is the popular “Mud Head”.
What is the rainbow man?
A symbol of the harmony achieved is the “Rainbow Man”, a Yeii commanding the rainbow, giving beauty to all those in harmony. The four ages of man, childhood, youth, middle age and old age. The sign is used with this meaning by some Indian tribes in the southwestern USA. Hopi Maze or Mother Earth Symbol.
What does the turtle symbolise?
Turtle – the turtle symbolizes long life and the turtle also annoys the coyote. The turtle is slow but steady. Eagle – Symbolizes courage, strength, wisdom, and a special religious connection due to his association with spirits and visions. Owl – Symbolizes nighttime and being wise, it also means good hunting skills.
What does the bear symbol mean?
This symbol represents the life force of an animal. When it reaches from the head to the heart of a bear, it symbolizes a warrior having a heart as strong as a bear.
What does the arrow on the left mean?
Arrows symbolize protection and defense. An arrow facing to the left is meant to ward off evil. Meanwhile, an arrow facing to the right is meant as protection and an arrow facing down means peace.
Why are arrows a symbol of protection?
Arrows are portrayed in the symbol of Protection because they were the Native American’s main form of defense. The circle wrapped around the two arrows signifies family ties, closeness, and protection
What is the symbol of growth?
The sun is the provider of light and heat, which is what causes crops to flourish, which is why it symbolizes growth. Its symbol depicts the cardinal directions, north, south, east, and west.
What does the circle symbol represent?
Circle Symbols (Four Elements, Water, Earth, Air, Sun) The circle symbols represents the cycle of the seasons. It represents the cycle of life to death to rebirth. And it represents the four elements.
Why do bears represent courage?
Animals act as spiritual guides because they have traits admired by humans. That is why bears symbolize courage and physical strength. It is a good omen that conveys authority. Meanwhile, bear prints represent leadership.
What does the color of a butterfly mean?
Butterflies symbolize transformation. However, the color of the butterfly provides further information. A black butterfly signifies bad news or illness , yellow signifies hope and guidance, brown signifies important news, red signifies an important event, and white signifies good luck.
Mapping Diné Bikéyah
Sacred Mountain Peaks
- Four colorful mountains surround the ancestral homeland of the Navajo at each directional point. This space is the Dinétah, the sacred home of the gods. It is told in the creation story, the Emergence, that First Man placed four stones – jet, white shell, turquoise, and abalone– in each direction and then blew on each one four times to create a hogan. This humble, dome-shaped sh…
Protection Under The Navajo Rainbow
- A vivid rainbow in red, yellow, and blue arches over the sovereign land, never closing on the tribe’s independence. Folklore tells that the Navajo rainbow is a symbol of protection and the pathway of the Yeis. These healing holy spirits intercede between the Creator and humans and control the sun, moon, wind, and rain. A rainbow yei encircles most ...
The Great Seal Elements
- In the center of the Navajo flag sits a white circle that incorporates many of the same elements featured in the original 1952 Great Seal that was designed by John Claw Jr. of Many Farms, Arizona. 1. Sun: Hovering above the sacred symbols, the Sun Father brings light into a world of darkness. The Diné considers the rising and setting of the sun sacred times. 2. Cornstalks: Two …