Exploring Meaning : Symbols in Native American Jewelry

Symbols used by Native American silversmiths and artisans in the American Southwest represent layers of meaning. The patterns, designs & symbols used by Native artists are intrinsic to the culture and heritage they are a living part of. The king of all symbols in New Mexico and the Southwestern United States is the Zia. As the official state symbol of New Mexico since 1925, the Zia symbol holds a special place in the hearts of New Mexico. The best introduction is from the Pueblo of Zia, where the symbol originated.

“The Zia Sun Symbol originated with the Native Americans of Zia [pronounce it “tSEE-ah”] Pueblo (Indian village) in ancient times. The symbol has a sacred meaning to the Zia. Four is a sacred number that symbolizes the Circle of Life: four winds, four seasons, four directions, and four sacred obligations. The circle binds the four elements of four together”.

https://www.ziapueblo.org/

Widely used in Southwestern art & design, jewelry, pottery & architecture, the Zia symbol is recognized across the entire American Southwest as a representation of unique identity, and. interconnectedness.

This meaningful symbol is integral to the worldview & spiritual practices of the Zia people. Respect for the Zia as a sacred symbol for the people of Zia Pueblo is a learned understanding for many of us. While the Zia has become a unifying and celebrated symbol for all of New Mexico. It is essential to approach its use with respect for its profound status and origins with the Zia people.

Traditional symbols and patterns used in the creation of Native American jewelry & art have their origins deep within the hearts and minds of indigenous heritage. Lovers of handmade jewelry and Native American art are familiar with many of the symbols and their adaptations. Symbols used by Native American people may have many layers of meaning.

Enjoy a sampling of symbols we see frequently in New Mexico jewelry design and in the American Southwest!

ARROW

Arrows are often used to represent protection and defense or to indicate motion or direction.

BEAR

Bear symbols refer to spiritual or inner power and resilience. Bear can speak of independence, and strengthening of the will.

DRAGONFLY

The meaning of the dragonfly as a symbol in the mythology of the Pueblo tribes differs. It is considered to be a medicine animal, a symbol of water, and a spirit associated with healing and protection. The dragonfly symbol is frequently seen in sacred sand paintings.

FEATHERS

Feathers are recognized as sacred symbols in Native American tribes and are recognized as symbols of prayer, honor, and strength. They are one of the most widely recognized symbols that we associate with Native American arts and culture.

HORSE

Horse symbols were used in Native American art to represent nobility, mobility, freedom, and strength. As a revered part of the community, the horse symbol is also a sign of respect.

HUMMINGBIRD

Associated with healing, messages, and good luck, hummingbirds can be found in Southwestern Pueblo art, not on jewelry; but on baskets, water jars, and pottery.

Quintin Quam, Zuni

KOKOPELLI

The first known images of Kokopelli appear on Hohokam pottery dating to sometime between 750 and 850 AD. The Kokopelli images have become recognizable around the world through the art of the Hopi people. As a fertility deity, Kokopelli presides over childbirth and agriculture. He is also said to be a trickster and to represent the Spirit of Music.

LIZARD

To the desert tribes, Lizard is a positive symbol of self-preservation, healing, masculine energy & conservation.

Lizards are sacred beings in Navajo symbolism, speaking to self-preservation and survival. Geckos in particular are considered lucky to have around.

MAN IN THE MAZE

The Man in the Maze symbol is found in petroglyphs left by Native Americans and is seen in Hopi art dating back many generations. It represents our journey through life.

According to O’odham oral history, the labyrinth design depicts experiences and choices individuals make in the journey through life. In the middle of the “maze,” a person finds their dreams and goals. When one reaches the center, the individual has a final opportunity (the last turn in the design) to look back upon choices made and the path taken, before the Sun God greets us, blesses us, and passes us into the next world.

ROADRUNNER

Found in the Southwestern USA & Mexico, the roadrunner is associated with speed, courage & endurance.

SPIDER

Spider is featured in many Indigenous cultures. For the Navajo, Spider-Woman is a Creator who made the world and brought her ability to weave to bear on calming the chaos. Spider brings balance, and harmony, and teaches us to spread beauty.

SNAKE

The snake represents many things within the Native American culture. For the Pueblo Indians, the snake was a sign of fertility while. In some regions, due to its ability to shed its skin, the snake is a symbol of rebirth and healing

STORYTELLER

Storyteller figurines are made by the Navajo people. Helen Cordero of the Chochiti Pueblo was said to have made the first modern storyteller figurine to honor her Grandfather in 1964. The storyteller is usually a man or woman, open mouth, sometimes surrounded by children listening to the storyteller.

SUNFACE

Recognized as the Giver of Life, the Sun Face is an ancient motif in Pueblo jewelry. Handmade by Navajo silversmith Irvin Gene, these intricate designs are created using a traditional overlay technique.

TURTLE

The Turtle represents Mother Earth to Native American tribes, and in some tribes, the Turtle is part of Creation. Turtles live very long lives, indicating longevity, and also may represent Water.

WOLF

Wolf symbols can be found throughout the history of Southwestern tribes. Wolf is a social creature and embodies leadership and family & community values, communication & intelligence.

♦♦♦

Native American jewelry and art features many other patterns and symbolic meanings of animals, nature’s cycles and elements, and traditionally significant icons, stories, and understandings. Our understandings of meanings does not spring from living a culture, as it does for the Native artists we work with. We learn more every day, even after over 50 years in business, and it’s a journey we love. Enjoy!

1-800-771-3781
info@sunwestsilver.com
324 Lomas Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102

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