20 Most Popular Native American Indian Symbols And Their Meanings
Are you looking for the most popular Native American Indian symbols?
When Europeans arrived in America, American Indians communicated not through writing but through telling stories by drawing pictures and symbols on hides, rocks, and other surfaces.
The arrow was a very significant part of the Native Indian culture and their daily lives. The bow and arrow were used by the Indians to hunt animals for food and clothing as well as tools and weapons. The bow and arrow were also used by Native Americans to defend their families in times of war.
Suffice it to say, the bow and the arrow were very important for American Indians. Arrow symbols, in particular, are very popular even today.
Back in the days, the meaning of these arrow symbols changed according to the way they were depicted.
Let’s get to know these arrow symbols and some other popular American Indian symbols in the following list.
20 Most Popular Native American Indian Symbols And Their Meanings
A deeply spiritual people, Native American Indians have for generations communicated their dreams, thoughts, and ideas, as well as their history by means of signs and symbols. Their symbols are usually characterized by or decorated with regular lines and shapes.
These symbols often are depictions of important objects (such as arrows), animals, and heavenly bodies, as well as natural phenomena.
Here are some of the most popular American Indian symbols and their meanings.
1. Single Arrow
The single arrow symbol denotes protection and defense among American Indians. It can also signify direction, force, movement, and power, as well as peace and direction of travel.
The single arrow symbol could as well mean various things depending on where the arrow it was pointed.
An arrow pointed to the left was used by American Indians to ward off evil. An arrow symbol pointing to the right signified protection while an arrow pointed down connoted peace.
2. Double Arrows
The double arrows symbol, or two arrows depicted pointing in opposite directions, is the American Indian symbol for war. This symbol was employed during times of war.
Two arrows facing together was used to fend off evil.
3. Crossed Arrows
The crossed arrows symbol represents friendship and camaraderie among American Indians.
4. Broken Arrow
Similar to the arrow pointing down, the broken arrow symbol indicates peace among Native Americans.
5. Bundle of Arrows
Arrows bundled together symbolizes unity in the tribe, conveying the message that there is strength in numbers.
6. Arrowhead
The arrowhead symbol was worn by American Indians as a necklace or a talisman in their belief that it warded off evil entities, hence signifying defense, alertness, and protection.
The arrowhead is the pointed tip of the arrow, which Native Americans used to kill their enemies or predators. Arrowheads can be made out of various materials such as precious gems, bones, metals, or stones.
7. Hogan
“Hogan” comes from the Navajo word hooghan which means “the place home.” Among American Indians, the hogan symbol signified permanent home.
A hogan is the primary dwelling of the Navajo people. It can come in various shapes such as round or conical, multi-sided or square.
A round hogan is the American Indian symbol of the sun.
8. Kokopelli
Kokopelli is the symbol of the flute player, used to represent fertility.
Kokopelli is the Native American fertility god, depicted as a flute player with a humpack and often with antenna-like protrusions on his head or feathers. He is worshipped by some Native American tribes in the American Southwest.
9. Broken Cross Circle
The broken cross circle is the Native American symbol for four seasons, or “that which revolves.”
10. Great Spirit
The Great Spirit is a very important Native American symbol as it represents the supreme being and the conception of universal spiritual force.
11. Bear
The bear, a creature that’s thoughtful and independent, with very little need for fellowship, is also self-contained and strong-willed in nature. These qualities make the an appropriate symbol of power, courage, and strength. The bear also represents family and vitality.
12. Bear Paw
The bear – an animal held in high regard in American Indian culture – and its claw are symbols found in many Native American totem poles. The bear paw symbolizes good omen, healing, and strength.
13. Raven
Ravens are mischievous and curious birds, which play many significant roles in the native culture of the Pacific Northwest Coast.
The raven symbolizes several things such as creation, transformation, knowledge, and prestige. It is also the symbol used to denote the subtlety of truth and the complexity of nature.
14. Butterfly
The butterfly symbol represents many things – from everlasting life to transformation, metamorphosis, beauty, balance, and grace.
This beautiful winged insect is frequently depicted in the mythology of the native Pacific Northwest Coast culture as the companion, scout, and spokesperson for the raven.
15. Bird
While the raven is often portrayed in Native American mythology as a hero, a trickster, or both, birds in general are deemed as the symbol of ultimate freedom and connection to heaven as they serve as messengers from the Creator, or between humans and the spirit world.
Birds and their ability to see clearly from up high represent the unattainable. The bird symbol signifies free of worry (or carefree) as well.
Related read: Most Prominent Bird Symbols And Their Meanings
16. Thunderbird
Considered as one of the most iconic Native American symbols, the thunderbird symbol is often featured in jewelry and artwork.
Often viewed as the most powerful of all spirits, thunderbirds can transform into human form by opening his head up like a mask and taking his feathers off.
The thunderbird symbol denotes power, protection, and strength.
17. Brothers
The brothers symbol is traditionally depicted as wearing the “Forked Eye.” Beings clad in the Forked Eye motif were believed in the southeastern ceremonial complex – particularly in the native Mississippi region – to be residents of the Upper World.
The brothers symbol represents unity, equality, and loyalty, as well as the bond of brothers (either by blood or by type of relationship).
18. Shaman Eye (Eye of the Medicine Man)
The Shaman Eye or Eye of the Medicine Man is a symbol for a shaman who is believed to possess spiritual healing powers and the gift of foresight.
This eye symbol is a representation of spiritual vision, or that special kind of vision that sees the interconnectivity of all things.
The outer lines in the shaman eye symbol signify the 4 corners of the physical universe, the inner lines are symbolic of the spirit word, and the center circle is the Medicine Man himself and his vision.
19. Morning Star
The morning star is an important symbol of the ancestors in American Indian cultures.
American Indians connect the symbolism of this particular star to their elders and ancestors, as well as past spirits. They believe that each star is an ancestor above watching over them.
The morning star, which is the brightest light in the sky at dawn, is also used by Native Americans as a symbol of hope and guidance, as well as a symbol of spiritual purity, courage, and the resurrection of fallen heroes.
20. Man in the Maze
The Man in the Maze symbol is the American Indian symbol of life. It is a representation of the American Indians’ belief in life, death, and the life after death. It also depicts the path of life and all that come with it such as sadness, happiness, failures, successes, and other things.
