NAVAJO RUG MEANINGS

ABBY BURKE AND TANNER MCGOWAN

MAIN IDEA ~

The main idea is what Navajo rugs mean. If we can understand this, we might understand the Native Americans more. You might already know that some rugs have meaning. Similar to the ones used during the Civil War for slaves escaping.

This is a slave rug.

WHY WE CHOSE THIS

We chose this topic because we want to learn about our Natives. We chose the Navajos because they are a famous tribe. Also, we wanted to know if they expressed their religions in their artwork, so we chose their rugs. My great grandmother was a Native American. I wanted to learn about my heritage too. So, now we respect them.

ARROW SYMBOL MEANING~

Direction Movement Power

This is called an arrow movement rug

EAGLE SYMBOL MEANING~

Associated with spirits and visions Wisdom Courage Strength

This is a feather eagle rug. ( eagle rug)

YEII SPIRITS SYMBOL MEANING ~

Tall slender figures (spirits) that exist between humans and the Kachinas-the creators- and to control most natural forces.

Yeii spirits

SUN SYMBOL MEANING

Has stylized rays Stands for life and warmth Usually a circle that looks like a smiley

face The rays point in cardinal directions

WHIRLING LOG SYMBOL MEANING

Logs that whirl in a counter-clockwise direction. It symbolizes the circle of life, and the four seasons.

The cross in the middle is the whirling log

FEATHERED SKY SNAKE SYMBOL MEANING

Also, called the Avanyu symbol. Symbolizes lightning. Symbolizes thunderstorms

The zigzag shape symbolizes lightning.

CLOUD SYMBOL MEANING

Typically found along with rain pouring from them.

If one has an arrow it represents lightning.

Symbolizes fertility and renewal.

KOKOPELLI SYMBOL MEANING

Spiky haired flute player. Represents male fertility.

HONRNED LIZARDS SYMBOL MEANING Symbolizes perseverance. Represents secret keeping.

THE STEP BORDER PATTEREN MEANING Direction Change

NAVAJOS AND US

If we understand the meaning of the Native rugs; maybe we could understand their society more. The Americans have their religions, and the Navajos have theirs. Some people forget that they were here before us. We should learn more about our ancestors. Some of the rugs the Navajos make are religious and spiritual. So, if we comprehend these rugs we will understand better.