Kokopelli
Insights into the the complex symbol of Kokopelli and how depictions of the icon have influenced Native American cultures of the Southwest United States.
Abstract
Kokopelli has appeared in numerous Native American cultures. The figure, often called the “Humpbacked Flute Player,” is said to bring rain and strengthen crop yields. Kokopelli is also seen as a hunter and brings needed resources to Native American communities. The phallic nature of Kokopelli continues to be an area of intrigue. This is seen in his long nose and flute which represents his role as a fertility symbol. This page examines the cultural influences of Kokopelli and how the symbol has influenced rituals, traditions, and cultural norms of Native American communities in the Southwest United States.
Research
Kokopelli plays many roles within Native American Cultures. The deity plays a role in everything from practical jokes to singing and playing music to drive away harsh winter temperatures. Depictions of Kokopelli take many forms and artists have portrayed the symbol in many ways.
For artists depictions and background information of the beginnings of Kokopelli click the button below
*Click the photo below for a direct link to Kokopelli Legends & Lore*
It has been said that the songs coming from Kokopelli's flute could be heard in the fresh breeze of spring. When tribes recognised this, they would sing long into the night. In practicing this ritual, it was believed that every mature woman in the community would be with child come morning.
A Ballad About Kokopelli
A strange lonely figure stares out of the past
where engraved by an artist in stone
Held firm by the sand in which he is cast,
these last thousand years quite alone.
Could he be listening, trying to hear
moccasins scuffing the butte?
Bringing the people once again near
to hear Kokopelli's sweet flute?
His image inscribed on a thousand rock faces
from east to the great western sea;
From Sonora's hot sun to the north glaciers bases,
proclaiming this loved tutelary.
Though powers possessed and methods employed
are often in open dispute;
One thing is agreed, the people did love
to hear Kokopelli's sweet flute.
This stick figure man, with a hump on his back
seemed always to cast a good feeling;
His magic perhaps, taken out of his pack
would comfort the sick and do healing.
Whatever his talents, they surely were grand,
a fact no one cares to refute,
As people would come from afar in the land,
to hear Kokopelli's sweet flute.
Kokopelli Quick Facts
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Depictions of Kokopelli date back over 3,000 years.
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Kokopelli is a sacred figure for many Southwestern native american communities such as the Hopi, Zuni, and Anasazi. However, the true origins of Kokopelli are still unknown to this day.
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Kokopelli is often referred to as the "humpbacked flute player," this is due to the hunch on his back that represents the seeds and songs he carries from village to village.
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Kokopelli is the only anthropomorphic petroglyph to have a name, identity, and even an assigned gender.
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Kokopelli is seen as more of an insect than a human or other mammal.
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Kokopelli has always been associated with the male gender, and in some contexts he has a female partner. His counterpart is known as"Kokopelli Mana," and although she is not as well known as Kokopelli, she has still played a prominent role in various petroglyphs and rituals.