Home » Home & Style » Ethnic Crafts » Kokopelli

Kokopelli

© Regenia G. Butcher

Morning has arrived. The early day's routines have nearly been completed. Now that winter is winding down, the sun would soon start bringing with it more heat and nature would respond with more greenery.

Ever-so-faintly in the distance, a sound is heard. It is not the usual noise from the tribe's people. This sound makes its way through the normal hustle and bustle and gets the attention of one of the villagers. He alerts the others to hush their noises so they can listen more intently.

Soon, the melodic notes of a flute can be distinguished and the villagers cease finishing their tasks and hurry to greet the visitor who is blessing them with music and the ushering in of Spring.

One of the most fascinating, lively and mysterious figures found throughout the southwestern US is the Kokopelli - an arched-back flute player. Found carved in ancient rock and depicted on recently-made tourist items, Kokopelli has stood the test of time and still maintains interest. In fact, this joyful "jokester" has become more well known than ever.

Perhaps, adding to the populartiy is the mystery that also accompanies it, for Kokopelli is quite multi-faceted. From assisting travelers in their migrations to better hunting areas, to protecting and supplying the season's seeds and then bringing the rain to ensure a bountiful harvest, this sojourning being has been a hero-of-all-trades (so to speak). He has also been legendary in bringing forth his own seed, from woman to woman, in village after village. So, it's no wonder that the word "kokopelli" has become synonymous with "fertility".

But what some have called a hump on his back, others have explained away as being a pack that the arched-over figure was carrying. Yet, in some poses, it appears that the figure is neither hump-backed nor carrying a heavy load, but is dancing to the music he is playing.

Even when and where Kokopelli originated is a mystery. There have been similar petroglyphs found in Mexico and South America, as well as a variety of different types of Kokopelli found throughout the Hope, Zuni and Navajo territories. Kokopelli has taken the form of a rabbit, an insect, sheep, and also has been a figure with a bird head. Nor does he always carry a flute, as occasionally he is seen with a staff in his hand. The more recent ones are clothed and are more decorative.

Deity, melody-maker, jokester, symbol of continuance...one can't help but consider him to be all four to the people who have embraced his symbol. But above all else, you can't help but smile when seeing the jovial modern version that adorns everything from gate posts to necklaces. There's even a rock band in New Jersey named after him and France has a non-profit organization that deals with organic and biodynamic seeds. See how many others you can find. And happy crafting!!