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Hopi Jewelry Symbols

The jewelry symbols used by The Hopi tribe are derived from their deep ancient culture. Hopi jewelry symbols of nature and animals are in essential source for the designs. Not only are these perfect for silversmiths to use as a basis for patterns on the jewelry they create but many of the shapes have deeper meaning behind them. The symbol indicates a particular attribute which was associated by a specific object in nature.

Many of these symbols used by the Hopi are shared by other Native American Tribes and meanings are known throughout the southwest area. Then even more symbols are used by the Hopi Artists as Hallmarks. Hallmarks are used as the artists signature on a piece of work. There are also many clans within the Hopi tribe, each of the clans have their own symbol which can be seen on the jewelry. For example the turtle represents the water clan.


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Meanings of Hopi Symbols

The following Hopi Jewelry Symbols are used primarily by the Hopi tribes and have detailed meanings

Hopi Wave Jewelry Symbol

The Hopi wave pattern is one of the most common and popular hopi jewelry symbols in their silver jewelry. It symbolically represents the continuos flow of life or rebirth as water flows. The Hopi wave patterns may vary, based upon the artist’s desire and creativity. The wave is very popular and highly collectable.





The Symbol of the Emergence (Mother Earth Symbol)

The Mother of Earth Hopi symbol represents rebirth and can be referred to as the Hopi symbol of Emergence. The symbol has two forms; one square and the other circular. Prime and historic examples of these Labyrinth symbols can be found on a rock south of Oribi and south of Shipaulovi on the Hopi reservation.






The Hopi Man in the Maze Jewelry Symbol

The Hopi Man in the Maze symbol looks very similar to the Symbol of Emergance. It is a maze pattern that usually has a man standing just outside the entrance. The man standing outside of the maze represents a human seed. The man can penetrate the womb, fertilize the ovum, produces new life, which then emerges as a new birth or a reincarnated existence. Once gained entry, the man gives new life to litoi, and therefore retaining reincarnation and new life.





The Hopi World Symbol

The Hopi World Symbol represents the world. Much like a compass, the four lines refer to North, South, East, and West on the horizon. The four circles inside represent the balance of the four nations and how they keep the world in balance.










Hopi Sun Symbol

The Hopi Sun God is an essential figure to the Hopi culture as it represents creative and natural energy. The significance comes from sum’s part and ability in the growth of corn and other crops. The sun is a symbol of growth, vitality, and passion.





Hopi Spiral Symbol

The Spiral Symbol is not only a Hopi symbol, but serves as a common symbol for many tribes across the United States. The spiral Hopi symbol signifies the broadening conscious after a long journey.







Hopi Kachina Symbol

The Hopi jewelry symbols that use a Kachina face symbolize growth, strength of spirit, and abundance. This particular spirit enrobes during the solstice ceremony to beckon the sun's return, and begin the growing season.








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