Kokopelli brooch with crystal inlay by Joe Martinez (Navajo tribe)

Kokopelli - Fertility, musician, merry-maker
Popular with Native Americans, Kokopelli is a quirky flute-playing character whose image dates back over 3,000 years. Ancient carvings depicting the hunchback have been found on canyon walls and rocks in the Southwest region of America and, although his exact origins aren't known, there are many fascinating myths and beliefs associated with him.

Kokopelli is said to have travelled around villages bringing the changing of seasons - ending the harsh winter weather, creating milder temperatures and much-needed rain for successful harvests. The hunch on his back is thought to be due to the sack of seeds and songs he carried with him, his flute symbolises the transition from winter to spring, and the macaw feathers adorning his headdress are said to represent the spirit world. He's also known for his powers of fertility. Legends claim that all the villagers would sing and dance when Kokopelli arrived, and soon after every woman would be with child.

Today Kokopelli is still a popular figure in art and jewellery. Wearing the image symbolises a connection with music and fun and, for some, the desire for fertility.

Joe Martinez - Navajo tribe -
Joe Martinez is a member of the Navajo tribe and lives in the USA. We trade directly with this artist making sure he receives a fair price for his work. All items will be good quality but because of the hand made nature of the goods it is possible that crafts such as these may have small differences between them. These small differences (if there are any) should be seen as a testimony to the fact that you are buying authentic Native American crafts.