A Short History of Kokopelli

South American Native American art and jewelryNative Americans consider him as sacred and he
like elegant turquoise, coral squash blossomshares relation with dance, music and mischief.
necklaces, Kachina dolls and intricate baskets areCasanova-like tendencies are also displayed by
enjoyed by many people. Many symbols andhim.
patterns on these objects are exceptionallyThere are many interesting myths about the
familiar to many collectors. Many jewelries andstory of Kokopelli. He went from village to village
memorabilia are adorned by the thoughtful figurelong ago and turned winter into spring. The
of the Kokopelli flute player. The Kokopelli's historymelody of flute caused this change. The flute
makes a charming subject material.brought warmth when heard in the breeze. He
Kokopelli attracts the imagination of people whoalso melted snow and brought rain to help the
love art and culture. The flute player was paintedharvest. Some said that he was hunchbacked
on rock walls and boulders by ancient people. Thebecause of the songs and seeds he carried along.
history of Kokopelli is 3000 years old going backAccording to another legend, if the Kokopelli sang
to the early carved petroglyphs. He wasand danced in the night, all the young ladies will
established by the Anasazi as a deity. The Anasaziconceive a child the next morning. Pueblo myths
were ancient people from the Southwesterndepicted him as a seducer who carried babies,
United States, however their origins are notblankets and seeds to maidens to gain favor with
clearly known.the one he liked.
The Kokopelli who is admired by the Taos,Hohokam the Arizona Pueblo had painted the
Acoma and Hopi people has a popular figure in theimage of Kokopelli on ceramics ten centuries ago.
history. He is considered by the Hopi as a symbolThis became a sample of his likeness in modern
of fertility and he often appears in dancing poses.representations. Kokopelli is often depicted
He plays a flute representing the Native Americanwearing a sash and a kilt by modern artists. His
depictions. He is portrayed as a prankster, storyflute is a nose flute resembling with clarinet.
teller and healer in legends. Many Southwestern