Native American SymbolsNative American symbols have been used in Native American art and each one has a special meaning. These symbols and designs make Native American art what it is. Below are some of the Native American symbols that are commonly seen and the stories behind them. Clouds, rain, and lightning represent renewal, fertility, and change. Snow is also included, but is of higher importance than rain. The morning star is the brightest star in the sky. It is used by many Native American tribes and usually has a meaning related to past spirits and ancestors. In a lot of Native American cultures ancestors were represented as stars. The man in the maze is a Native American symbol depicting a man inside of a circle. In front of the man, and taking up the rest of the circle, is a maze. This is a common depiction of the man faced with his inner choices and his path in life. Kokopelli is commonly used as the Native American symbol for fertility. He is depicted with as a man with a flute. At one time, depictions featured exaggerated male sexual organs until the missionaries came along. The twins are a Native American symbol similar to the Gemini zodiac, or the yin yang. The twins were commonly used in the creation stories. They represented both sides and a balance between good and evil, light and dark, and all other dual sides. Feathers are commonly used as Native American symbols of prayers, ideas, or marks of honor. Depending on the attributes of the bird they are taken from, determines the meaning that they are given. Eagles are known for the honor, for example, and so would represent a mark of honor. There are many more Native American symbols. Many of the symbols are depictions of animals. Frogs, bear, deer, and turtles are just a few of the animals depicted in Native American symbols. Each animal represents different characteristics to the Native Americans. |
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