subject: A Short History Of Kokopelli [print this page] South American Native American art and jewelry like elegant turquoise, coral squash blossom necklaces, Kachina dolls and intricate baskets are enjoyed by many people. Many symbols and patterns on these objects are exceptionally familiar to many collectors. Many jewelries and memorabilia are adorned by the thoughtful figure of the Kokopelli flute player. The Kokopellis history makes a charming subject material.
Kokopelli attracts the imagination of people who love art and culture. The flute player was painted on rock walls and boulders by ancient people. The history of Kokopelli is 3000 years old going back to the early carved petroglyphs. He was established by the Anasazi as a deity. The Anasazi were ancient people from the Southwestern United States, however their origins are not clearly known.
The Kokopelli who is admired by the Taos, Acoma and Hopi people has a popular figure in the history. He is considered by the Hopi as a symbol of fertility and he often appears in dancing poses. He plays a flute representing the Native American depictions. He is portrayed as a prankster, story teller and healer in legends. Many Southwestern Native Americans consider him as sacred and he shares relation with dance, music and mischief. Casanova-like tendencies are also displayed by him.
There are many interesting myths about the story of Kokopelli. He went from village to village long ago and turned winter into spring. The melody of flute caused this change. The flute brought warmth when heard in the breeze. He also melted snow and brought rain to help the harvest. Some said that he was hunchbacked because of the songs and seeds he carried along.
According to another legend, if the Kokopelli sang and danced in the night, all the young ladies will conceive a child the next morning. Pueblo myths depicted him as a seducer who carried babies, blankets and seeds to maidens to gain favor with the one he liked.
Hohokam the Arizona Pueblo had painted the image of Kokopelli on ceramics ten centuries ago. This became a sample of his likeness in modern representations. Kokopelli is often depicted wearing a sash and a kilt by modern artists. His flute is a nose flute resembling with clarinet.
