Navajo Symbols And Meanings
Within the Navajo culture, there are several symbols that have specific meanings when displayed. You might find these symbols in their sandpaintings, their general artwork, and even in their current government structures.
Here is a brief list of the most important symbols of the culture and what they mean.
Bear: Within the Navajo culture, the symbol of the bear is a representation of strength.
Bear Paw: This Navajo symbol is a representation of having good luck or that a good omen is present.
Big Mountain: This symbol represents having great abundance.
Bird: The Navajo bird is a representation of internal peace. Its display shows that anxiety is no longer present.
Broken Arrows: With this symbol, peace is either being offered or spoken about.
Crossed Arrows: This represents friendship, either between people, tribes, or cultures.
Deer Tracks: This symbol represents that food is abundant or that wild game is plentiful.
Eagle Feather: Within the Navajo culture, this symbol often represents the chief of the tribe.
Headdress: This often represents a ceremony.
Horse: The Navajo used horses for their general transportation needs once they were reintroduced to North America. Their symbol is a representation of a journey being taken.
Humans: This is a representation of life itself.
Kokopelli: Usually depicted as a flute player, this is a trickster god which may preside over agriculture and childbird. This god may also represent the spirit of music.
Lightning: This Navajo symbol represents speed and swiftness. It also represents certain taboos. Using wood for a fire that was burned by lightning, for example, is often blamed for bad luck and sickness.
Mountain Range: With this symbol, a great journey may be depicted. It may also represent an intended destination.
Sun: For the Navajo people, sunshine is a reflection of universal harmony. It speaks of happiness.
Thunderbird: When this symbol is displayed, it is a representation of unlimited happiness. It may be a depiction of personal feelings or offered as a sort of blessing to others.
Water: For the Navajo, running water represents constant life. Without a source of water, there could not be balance found in the universe.
There are many more Navajo symbols that are important parts of the culture. When you see these symbols, you’ll have a clearer idea of what is being communicated to you.