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​Symbols and Their Meanings

​Symbols and Their Meanings

Posted by Claudia on Oct 28th 2016

Native American cultures are deeply rooted in nature. Many beliefs and legends incorporate symbols of earth, water, sky, fire, seasons, weather, plants, and animals. As you browse our Native American jewelry, as well as our Zuni fetish carvings, you are going to notice many symbols. While some may be used just for aesthetic value, the majority h[…]

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The Rainbow Man

The Rainbow Man

Posted by Claudia on Nov 19th 2015

The Rainbow Man, also sometimes referred to as the Rainbow Dancer, is a sacred Zuni Indian guardian spirit identified with the life giving summer rains and the colors of the rainbow after the summer’s rain. Multi Gemstone Inlay Rainbow Man Pendant & Brooch by Zuni Artist, Fabien Bowannie Although the Rainbow figure is not a Kachina, h[…]

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What is the "Man in Maze"?

What is the "Man in Maze"?

Posted by Claudia on Jun 24th 2015

The “man in the maze” was originally created as an illustration of the emergence story by the Tohono O’odham or Papago Indians of the Central Valley in Arizona. The “man in the maze” is a visual representation of the Tohono O’odham Indians belief in life, death, and the life after death. From family to family, interpretations vary slightly. The hum[…]

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The Naja Pendant

The Naja Pendant

Posted by Claudia on May 15th 2014

Naja Symbol Meaning The naja is a crescent-shaped piece that is often worn alone as a pendant or as the center piece of a  squash blossom necklace in Southwestern Indian jewelry. The naja design shape is thought to have originated from the Moorish and then borrowed from the Spanish that was used as an ornamental design on horse bridle head[…]

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Kokopelli

Kokopelli

Posted by Claudia on May 1st 2014

One of the most intriguing wide-spread images found in the Southwest is the humpbacked flute player. He is easily recognized by his flute, humped back and prominent phallus. An aura of mystery surrounds Kokopelli: Was he a fertility symbol, roving trader, rain priest, magician, trickster or a seducer of maidens? We know he is quite significantly on[…]

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Rock Art

Rock Art

Posted by Claudia on Feb 13th 2014

Throughout ancient history man has carved or painted on rocks and caves leaving traces of his time and world. Here in the Southwest United States, rock paintings and petroglyphs are known to have a history of about 3,000 years of artistic endeavor by Native American Indians. Rock paintings are usually found on light-colored surfaces such as cl[…]

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