Native American Indian Symbols
Popular Symbols of the Native Americans and Their Meanings

American Indian symbols and designs have always been one of the oldest and most effective means of communication. We have shown here just a few of the multitude of these that exist.

Always remember that although we have given some of the more common meanings, most symbols have many meanings that may vary by the symbols surrounding them, as well as the tribe using them. This is especially true as it relates to various Native American tribes in different geographic areas.

This is meant as a general guideline and will be updated periodically. You might also refer to the Fetishes page and the Kachina page which have descriptions of various animals and Kachinas.

	Arrows symbolize direction, force, movement, power and are sometimes used to indicate the heartline of an animal.
	Feathers symbolize prayers or designate honor. Eagle feathers are most often used in association with honor.
	Pahos or Prayer Sticks, are part of the religion and most often symbolize prayer to the Kachinas.
	Circular Feathers symbolize the sun and the creator.
	Frog symbolizes fertility and Spring.
	Bear symbolizes power, strength and leadership.
	Deer symbolizes speed sacrifice and a protector of the home.

	Horned Lizard symbolize long living and annoys coyote.
	Tadpole symbolizes fertility but stronger due to their ability to change into something else.
	Turtle symbolizes long life and annoys coyote. Slow but steady.
	A Pair of Hummingbirds symbolize devotion and are tough fighters. Small but strong.
	Parrot symbolizes sun and rain.
	Turkey symbolizes food as well as being a source of feathers.
	Eagle symbolizes wisdom, courage, strength and a special religious connection due to his association with spirits and visions.
	Owl symbolizes being wise and nighttime, as well as good hunting skills.
	Snake symbolizes speed, hunting, stealthness and the ability to move undetected.
	Avanyu or Feathered Sky Snake symbolizes lightning and thunderstorms.
	Dragonfly symbolizes fertility and spring as well as being a messenger
	Cricket symbolizes fertility and spring.
	Whirling Logs symbolize the circle of life and the four seasons. This is not to be confused with the swastika, as it is normally the "reverse" in design.
	Wolf Tracks symbolize direction as well as leadership
	Deer Tracks symbolize safety and shelter.
	Clouds, Rain and Lightning symbolize themselves as well as fertility and Spring. This particular symbol is often associated with the Hopi.
	The Sun symbolizes life and warmth.
	The Zia is the symbol of the Zia Pueblo Indians, and although it is usually interpreted as the symbol of New Mexico, it is truly the symbol of the Zia Pueblo.
	The Man In The Maze symbolizes the journey of life and its decisions.
	Navajo Yeii Spirit symbolizes one who is midway between man and the creators or Kachinas. They control most natural forces. It also symbolizes the Yei'bi'che or talking God which helps advise man along the way.
	Kokopelli symbolizes fertility, mainly male fertility, as well as they are protector of the seeds.
	The Twins symbolize much of what is thought of as pairs (good/bad, male/female, day/night, large/small, Mother Sky, Father Earth)
	The Hand symbolizes man and his accomplishments.

Designs and Patterns
Many different patterns are used in rugs, pottery and jewelry, especially silver . Some of these are:

	Usually water or whirlwinds indicating rebirth or renewal.
	These can be clouds or the steps to a Kiva, usually indicating direction.
	Usually this indicates Night and Day or Mountain and Sky. There have been occasions where it was used to represent man and woman.
	Some patterns are a combination of several objects such as this one which has prayers, birds and water.
	This is a common pattern used in Navajo weavings which is called a Storm pattern.