b'SYMBOLS OF THE SOUTHWESTMeanings of Native American ImagesO ver the last several decades symbols borrowed from Native American art have popped up on T-shirts, jewelry, greeting cards, and home furnishings. Just because you live in Arizona doesnt automatically make you an expert on the history and meaning of these symbols. So here is the scoop on just a few of them.ARROWHunting arrows frequently appear in prehistoric petroglyphs throughout the American Southwest and Mexico. Archaeologists interpret them as symbols of the power to subdue a fierce animal or as the power to overcome a sorcerers curse. Arrows in contemporary art often symbolize protection.BEAR CLAW DRAGONFLY SQUASH Bear tracks and bear claws are common symbols inPerhaps one of the reasons the Spaniards crossBLOSSOMpetroglyphs and pottery made by prehistoric Pueblowas easily accepted by some Native Americans isThe fertility Indians and contemporary jewelry made by the Hopi,that it also resembled the traditional symbol of thesymbol actually Navajo, and other modern-day Native Americans.dragonfly. Because of the dragonflys relationship withwas introduced to To ancient people, the bear was an incarnation ofwater, ancient people are believed to have consideredNative Americans strength and courage. To hunt and kill a bear was ait a symbol of fertility and abundance. by the Spanish, great feat. The bear clawwho based it on is often a symbol ofFEATHER their pomegranate good luck. Feathers were the most important ceremonial objectsblossom symbol. to prehistoric Pueblos, and contemporary NativeThe symbol is said BUTTERFLY Americans continue to use a variety of feathers into have been given The butterfly symbolstheir ceremonies. In Hopi culture, turkey feathers arethe name squash appear on pottery andassociated with rain and the harvest; eagles and hawkblossom by an rock art discoveredfeathers with assistance in battles. Anglo trader more in prehistoric ruinsthan a century ago. Today, squash blossoms are most throughout MexicoHEART LINE commonly seen in Navajo jewelry.and the American Southwest. They also appear inHeart lines frequently areToltec Indian carvings discovered in Tula, Mexico,included in traditional Zuni SUNand are believed to symbolize the rebirth and eternaldepictions of bear, deer, and Tourists who purchase jewelry with the sun symbol life of spirits of the dead. In Hopi art, butterflies areother game animals. The lines are usually told the image represents happiness. The symbols of life and fertility. represent the animals breath sun probably had many meanings to the ancient and connection with their people who drew it on rocks and pottery including CLOUD life source. creation, growth, and life itself.Another popular petroglyph symbol, clouds universally depict rain, fertility, and comingKOKOPELLI SWASTIKAprosperity. Is a prehistoric fertility symbol who has been spottedDont think anti-Semitism if you spot this symbol in petroglyphs from north of Canada to the tip ofon antique Native American art. Before the swastikas COYOTE South America. He was given his name by the Hopi. image was destroyed it was used by native people Coyotes in petroglyphsto depict migration patterns, friendship, and peace are typically small- LIGHTNING AND SNAKES making. It is rarely, if ever, seen in contemporary art.eared long-snoutedIt is frequently difficult to distinguish the critters that appear tothunderbolts from the snakes in SouthwesternTHUNDERBIRDbe stalking game. Inpetroglyphs. But scholars say that really isnt aThis is one of the most popularmany Native Americanproblem because to ancient Pueblos both symbolizedand most misunderstoodlegends, the coyote is rain and fertility. To other Native Americans theNative American art symbols. a trickster or a thiefsnake symbolizes wisdom. The Thunderbird is not awho teaches people toliving animal. Rather, it is abe more thoughtfulSPIRAL legendary beast that was said toand cautious. Spirals, which increate thunder by flappingcontemporary artenormous wings. Today, theCROSS frequently representsymbol commonly representsLong before thechange and creativity,success in war, long life, and unlimited happiness.Spanish missionariesalso were common passed out crucifixes to the Native Americans, theypetroglyph symbols.Not surprisingly, many Native American artists encountered in the New World, the cross appeared onArchaeologists say spirals represented the solsticedespise the use of their symbols to sell items made by pottery and petroglyphs throughout Mexico and theto the Pueblos. In modern day Zuni art, they maynon-Indians. No laws prevent non-Indians from using Southwest. It is believed to have symbolized Venus,signify wind, water, or spiritual journeys. the Native American symbols. People can support or the Morning Star, and the Quetzalcoatl, the AztecsNative American artists by not purchasing Indian plumed serpent god. art made by non-Indians. ArizonaRealCountry.com August 2023 67'